Kimi Antonelli unveils beautiful Ayrton Senna tribute after 'emotional' experience

Kimi Antonelli will race in an Ayrton Senna tribute helmet at this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix, just days after emulating his idol by becoming F1 drivers' champion.

The 20-year-old is now Formula 1's youngest title winner, having beaten Sebastian Vettel's record by over three years at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and celebrated by visiting the Senna family upon reaching Brazil ahead of this weekend.

Like last year, Antonelli visited Senna's resting place. But this time around, he was invited to sit in the cockpit of a #12 Lotus his hero raced.

"I was truly emotional," the Mercedes driver, who also races under that number, told media, including RacingNews365.

"It was a very, very special day that I will remember forever, and that's why I will always be thankful and grateful towards the Senna family for allowing me to see that and to even sit in the car, which was very special. It was an amazing day."

Antonelli revealed the first helmet he will race in F1 with as the champion-elect, which carries the colours from Senna's own helmet, a Brazilian flag and the three-time F1 drivers' champion's famous logo.

Elaborating on his visit to the Senna family, he added: "I actually didn't want to leave. I tried to stay as long as I could there because it was just such a nice experience.

"And the Senna family was very open on showing places where Ayrton used to spend most of his time.

"And it was crazy to think... when I was there, I was like, 'Wow, Ayrton was actually here.' Spending time in his room was very emotional and a very, very special day."