Kimi Antonelli reveals why he paid two visits in one day to Ayrton Senna grave

Kimi Antonelli has revealed why he made two visits in one day to the cemetery where Ayrton Senna was laid to rest, ahead of this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix.

With the incredible three-time champion being Antonelli's "racing hero", the young Italian was eager to visit Senna's grave before applying full focus to the track action. 

Mercedes' teenage rookie was spotted at Senna's grave sitting on a bench, where the 19-year-old opted to enjoy the peaceful environment by reading a book.

However, Antonelli did not just visit Senna's grave once, he opted to visit it twice on Wednesday after discovering how quiet the venue was.

Asked what the experience was like, Antonelli told select media including RacingNews365: "Yeah, it was a really cool experience. Obviously Ayrton is my racing hero. 

"And you know, yesterday I had a lot of time in hand, so I said, why not? It was very close to my hotel, so I decided to [go] once. 

"I decided to go in the morning, but then I also went in the afternoon, because obviously it was also... I found it a really quiet place, very peaceful. So in the afternoon, I just decided to go there.

"This time, just with my coach, and we read a book. We were reading the book, and just spent some time in peace, in a quiet place. And it was really nice. But yeah, I really wanted to go and say say hi to him."

Antonelli's book of choice

It was not just any book that Antonelli chose to read in the cemetery, but one on his hero. 

The opportunity to enjoy a moment of peace before the chaos of a grand prix weekend was one Antonelli jumped at, particular as silence is a rare experience for F1 drivers.

"I was reading a book about Ayrton," revealed Antonelli. "It's called, obviously, it's in Italian but the translation is Driven to perfection.

"And I think, it's very cool to have quiet moments, because obviously, as a driver, you spend most of your time under the spotlight. So it's nice to have some time for yourself in a quiet place with no one around.

"And I think it's also important to be able to have these kind of moments in order to get some time for yourself, and also to get ready ahead of the race weekend."