MEXICO CITY—Kimi Antonelli has been crowned Formula 1 World Champion at the Mexican Grand Prix, and he made it a point to credit what he considers the most crucial contributor to his historic achievement: going trick-or-treating with his friends the night before. The young driver received permission from Toto Wolff to wear his race suit and go out collecting candy before Sunday’s race, and his haul was bountiful.
“I got so much candy and at least like five full-size candy bars!” said the new world champion. “This was probably my best year of all time. I got two pillowcases full! Sure, I’m an F1 champion, but last night I was the candy champion.”
As world champions get younger and younger, teams have a responsibility to adapt to their drivers’ developmental needs. As the lines between childhood and the excruciating and intolerable stresses of adulthood continue to blur, maintaining peak performance will require supporting activities like playing tag, nap time, and tucking drivers into bed the night before races.
“He earned it,” said Toto Wolff in an oddly fatherly tone. “I remember trick-or-treating when I was little, and it was a fantastic time. It’s important for us that Kimi gets to experience that. Especially if it means more trophies for our trophy case.”
It’s unclear how Antonelli will celebrate becoming the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history, but with two pillowcases full of candy, Mercedes is considering canceling his victory champagne. The sugar rush will be enough.
After all, it’s a school night.