F1 sensation Kimi Antonelli surprised go-karting enthusiasts at Daytona Milton Keynes by registering under the pseudonym “Henry Shovlin” and racing alongside local karting fans. The 19-year-old Italian, who competes professionally for Mercedes in Formula 1, finished seventh in the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship, but showed his racing prowess on a much smaller scale.

Antonelli’s Go-Karting Session

Antonelli attended the track on Saturday for a packed go-karting session, where he not only participated but set the fastest lap of the main race with an impressive time of 1:25.5. Despite his speed, Antonelli did not secure a podium finish due to two penalties for pushing too hard, according to Daniel Prince from Daytona Milton Keynes.

“No one had a clue who he was while he was racing because he was fully helmeted,” said Prince. “It wasn’t until he took off his helmet inside that everyone realized they’d been competing against a Formula 1 star.”

Fan Interaction and Celebrity Leaderboard

After the race, Antonelli posed for a cheeky photo by Daytona Milton Keynes’ celebrity leaderboard, where previous stars such as Alexander Albon, Isack Hadjar, and Yuki Tsunoda have also raced. However, he quickly made his exit to avoid being overwhelmed by fans.

Prince added that while Antonelli didn’t finish on the podium, his fastest lap was at least three seconds quicker than anyone else, showcasing his natural talent even outside a Formula 1 car.

A Growing Trend of F1 Drivers Visiting Local Tracks

Daytona Milton Keynes has become a popular destination for F1 drivers due to its proximity to Silverstone, allowing top racers to train and have fun away from the professional circuit. Kimi Antonelli’s visit adds to a growing list of Formula 1 stars who enjoy testing their skills on local tracks.

“It’s incredible seeing F1 drivers go head-to-head with the public on karts,” said Prince. “Kimi was just as competitive as you’d expect, even under a pseudonym.”

Why Go-Karting Matters for F1 Drivers

Go-karting is widely recognized as a training ground for Formula 1 drivers, helping them maintain precision, reaction time, and racecraft. Even elite drivers like Antonelli use these sessions to sharpen their skills in a fun and competitive environment.

Kimi Antonelli’s incognito session demonstrates that even top-tier F1 stars enjoy racing for pure enjoyment, blending professionalism with approachability for fans who never expected to be racing against a Formula 1 driver.