– While Formula 1 takes an unusually long spring break due to the cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, championship leader Kimi Antonelli is looking for an adrenaline kick on two wheels. The Mercedes youngster spent Holy Saturday at the legendary VR46 Ranch of MotoGP star Valentino Rossi in Tavullia.
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Antonelli shared impressions of the weekend on social media. In the photos, he can be seen together with nine-time motorcycle world champion Rossi, current MotoGP leader Marco Bezzecchi, and other riders from Rossi’s VR46 Academy.
“A Saturday at the ranch, with friends and on two wheels,” Antonelli wrote. While the two-wheel professionals kicked up dust on the motocross track, the Mercedes driver seemed to prefer enjoying the action from the sidelines.
Safety first, after all, the battle for the world championship crown awaits after the five-week break. Following his victories in Shanghai and Suzuka, Antonelli travels to the next Formula 1 race as the leader with 72 points in his pocket. His teammate George Russell is close behind in second place with 63 points.
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“It feels pretty good,” Antonelli explained after taking the lead in the standings in Japan. “Of course, it’s still too early to think about the championship, but we are on the right track.”
Behind the Mercedes duo, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are lurking in third and fourth places. After the unplanned break due to the cancellation of the races in the Middle East, the 2026 Formula 1 season continues at the beginning of next month.
The Miami Grand Prix will take place from May 1 to 3 at the Miami International Autodrome. It remains to be seen whether Antonelli can take the momentum from Rossi’s ranch across the pond.
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