Bruno Senna eyes Lotus 98T drive for Kimi Antonelli

Bruno Senna is hoping to arrange a chance for Kimi Antonelli to drive one of Ayrton Senna’s historic Formula 1 cars next year, after the newly crowned champion visited the Senna family estate in Brazil.

Antonelli arrived days after securing his first F1 title at the Mexican Grand Prix. During the visit, he climbed into the Lotus 98T, the car Ayrton raced in 1986. Bruno said on F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast that the Mercedes driver was keen to explore the cockpit’s features, from its turbo control to the adjustable anti-roll bar and manual gearstick.

The visit has added another chapter to the story of Antonelli’s record-setting 2026 title, which made him the youngest champion in the series’ history.

Bruno is exploring a possible historic-car run

Antonelli’s enthusiasm prompted Bruno to consider taking the experience further. He said he had discussed the possibility of arranging a drive next year, potentially with Lotus or McLaren involved. The plan is not confirmed, but Bruno believes Antonelli is well suited to the car because of his height.

Antonelli’s father raised a question about whether the Italian could handle a manual car. Bruno recounted that Antonelli was confident he could. That exchange, and the young driver’s reaction inside the cockpit, helped turn a visit into a possible future outing.

The kart track offered another measure of Antonelli’s pace

The estate also gave Antonelli a chance to drive on the go-kart track designed by Ayrton. Bruno, who used the circuit as a child, said the surface was dirty and strewn with stones, leaving little room to stray from the line without reaching the grass and risking a spin.

He was impressed by Antonelli’s ability to establish a clean groove and remain consistent on it. Bruno joked that his own slower pace was down to weighing more, while acknowledging there was likely more to the difference than that. His assessment was unequivocal: Antonelli’s speed and control made a strong impression.

The proposed Lotus run would offer a direct link between the new champion and one of Ayrton’s most recognisable cars. For more on the legacy surrounding the Brazilian, see Allan McNish’s recollection of his first F1 test with Senna.