Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli recently surprised enthusiasts at a bustling go-karting session by participating incognito. The 19-year-old Italian, a professional racer for Mercedes, attended Daytona Milton Keynes on Saturday, registering under the alias “Henry Shovlin” to blend in with the crowd.

Despite his efforts to remain anonymous, Antonelli’s exceptional skill on the track was evident. He recorded the fastest lap during the main race of the session, showcasing his considerable talent behind the wheel. However, his pursuit of victory was hampered by penalties.

Daniel Prince, a representative from Daytona Milton Keynes, explained that Antonelli incurred “two penalties for pushing too hard,” which ultimately prevented him from finishing on the podium. Prince noted that Antonelli was initially happy to pose for a photograph, but the situation quickly escalated as fans recognized him.

Prince described the scenario, stating that Antonelli completed the standard pre-race briefing and competed alongside other participants without being identified. He added that “no-one had a clue” who he truly was during the race itself, thanks to his helmet.

However, the moment of anonymity was short-lived. Upon removing his helmet after the race, Antonelli was immediately recognized by fellow racers and attendees. The crowd’s reaction was enthusiastic, leading to a swift intervention by staff to manage the situation.

“Everyone really mobbed him so a member of staff quickly rescued him and put him behind the desk for a cheeky photo by our celebrity leaderboard, and then he ran away and left,” Prince recounted. This incident highlights the growing recognition of Antonelli’s burgeoning career in motorsport.

Daytona Milton Keynes has become a popular destination for several Formula 1 drivers, including Alexander Albon, Isack Hadjar, and Yuki Tsunoda. Its proximity to the iconic Silverstone circuit makes it a convenient location for drivers to engage in off-track racing activities.

The unexpected appearance of a prominent F1 driver at a local go-karting venue underscores the sport’s widespread appeal and the dedication of its athletes to honing their skills. Antonelli’s attempt at anonymity, while ultimately unsuccessful, added an element of intrigue to the Saturday racing session.

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Keywords: Kimi Antonelli, F1 driver, go-karting, Daytona Milton Keynes, incognito racing, Mercedes F1, Silverstone, motorsport