Kimi Antonelli has unveiled a special helmet for his home Italian Grand Prix at Monza, paying tribute to Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.The Mercedes driver’s one-off design draws inspiration from the helmet Rossi wore at the 2002 Italian Grand Prix weekend at Mugello. Renowned Italian helmet designer Aldo Drudi has reworked the original concept specifically for Antonelli.
“It is a great honour for me to race with a helmet inspired by Vale,” Antonelli said.
The striking design features 22 images celebrating Italian culture and lifestyle, including pizza, espresso, motorcycles, a mandolin, footwear and a variety of hairstyles.The tribute carries additional significance given the close relationship between Antonelli and Rossi. Although Antonelli was not yet born when Rossi raced with the original design in 2002, the pair have since developed a close friendship, with the MotoGP icon becoming an important figure in the young Mercedes driver’s career.
