Andrea Kimi Antonelli's first season in Formula 1 has proven a level of maturity beyond his years - something that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has praised several times over the year. But over the Christmas period, the young driver reminded fans that he's got plenty of character, too, as he gave out presents at a children's hospital in Bologna.
The 18-year-old Italian visited the hospital in the days leading up to Christmas, taking time out of his winter break to hand out some festive cheer and spend time with the young patients. The visit saw Antonelli walking through the hospital corridors carrying bags of presents that he later gave to the children.
Antonelli was raised in Bologna, a mere 26 miles from Maranello, the home of Ferrari. This gesture came after a successful first year in the championship, with him finishing seventh, just six points behind Lewis Hamilton, who he replaced at the Brackley outfit.
The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive as you'd expect. "Our Patron Saint Antonelli," one comment read, as another added: "What a likeable guy. Hope he keeps this up."
A third pointed to the Mercedes F1 car LEGO set the driver was photographed giving out: "Kimi is the only person who can get Italians to wear Mercedes merch and build Mercedes legos."
The hospital posted the following to its Instagram account, thanking the driver for his time and kindness.
"Last Saturday, Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, who races with Mercedes, visited the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli ahead of the Christmas holidays to bring gifts to the young patients hospitalised there, as well as to pass on his Christmas wishes to their families and to the healthcare staff.
"The young Bologna-born driver, who finished seventh in the Formula 1 World Championship drivers’ standings, also handed out photos, autographs and smiles to the patients and staff present.
"Thank you for the lovely visit, Kimi!"
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