Stefano Accorsi, the renowned Italian actor, has revealed the childhood characteristic that convinced him Kimi Antonelli was different from other children, recalling an extraordinary level of concentration from the future Mercedes Formula 1 driver when they met on the set of the 2016 film Italian Race.
Antonelli was just eight years old when he appeared in the Italian motorsport film, but according to Accorsi, his behaviour already demonstrated the discipline and determination that would later help him reach the highest level of international motorsport.
Speaking to Silvia Toffanin on Italian television programme Verissimo, the actor recalled his first encounter with the young Italian, describing a child whose attitude stood out immediately among the other youngsters involved in filming.
His description offers an intriguing glimpse into Antonelli’s early years, suggesting that the qualities now associated with his rapid rise through the racing ranks were visible long before he became a Mercedes F1 driver.
Accorsi remembers Antonelli as a little samurai
Accorsi’s recollection centred on the contrast between Antonelli and the other children working on the film set.
The actor explained that Kimi’s presence came about through his father, Marco Antonelli, who was involved in the racing sequences as a driver. The production featured cars competing on track, and Marco’s involvement brought his young son into contact with the film crew.
However, it was not simply Antonelli’s connection to motorsport that caught Accorsi’s attention.
He remembered how the other children would quickly become distracted during filming, whereas Kimi remained remarkably composed and attentive.
“The other kids quickly got bored, Kimi had incredible discipline, he was a little samurai,” Accorsi recalled.
The actor was particularly impressed by the youngster’s ability to remain focused throughout the filming process.
“I remember how, to get the other kids’ attention, we had to experiment, but he was impassive from start to finish. He’s a true phenomenon,” he added.
For Accorsi, it was an unusual level of maturity for somebody so young, and a memory that has taken on additional significance as Antonelli’s motorsport career has developed.
A film appearance that connected Antonelli with motorsport
The encounter happened during production of Italian Race (Veloce come il vento), directed by Matteo Rovere and released in 2016.
The film starred Accorsi alongside Matilda De Angelis and explored the world of Italian motor racing through the story of a young racing driver and her troubled older brother.
Antonelli appeared briefly in a scene involving a group of children outside a school in Imola. The young Kimi was not playing a central character, but his involvement in the production provided an unusual early experience outside his normal racing environment.
His presence on set was largely explained by his family’s involvement in motorsport. Marco Antonelli was participating in the driving sequences, giving Kimi an opportunity to experience the production first-hand.
According to Accorsi, director Rovere suggested involving the youngster in a scene with the other children.
What makes the story particularly interesting is that Antonelli was already achieving success in karting. His early competitive development was well underway, even as he experienced a brief appearance in a feature film.
In other words, the youngster was already developing a competitive reputation while simultaneously making a brief appearance in a feature film.
Why Accorsi’s recollection resonates today
There is an obvious temptation to look back at stories like this and interpret them as early predictions of future greatness.
However, Accorsi’s recollection is interesting for a different reason. His observations were not primarily about driving ability, speed or natural talent behind the wheel.
Instead, the actor remembered a young boy who could concentrate when others struggled to maintain their attention.
That distinction matters in a sport where mental discipline, technical feedback and the ability to absorb information are essential.
Antonelli’s progression through the junior categories eventually brought him into Mercedes’ development programme, placing him on a pathway towards Formula 1 and ultimately becoming the youngest ever F1 Drivers Champion.
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Clara Marlowe is a Formula 1 writer at TJ13 with over 15 years of experience in motorsport journalism, having contributed features to established sports magazines such as Evo, MCN, Wisden Cricket Monthly and other digital outlets.
Clara specialises in human-interest storytelling, focusing on the individuals behind the sport, including drivers, engineers, and team personnel whose roles are often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
At TJ13, Clara contributes long-form features and narrative-driven pieces that explore the personal and professional journeys within Formula 1. This includes coverage of career-defining moments, internal team dynamics, and the human impact of high-pressure competition.
Clara’s work brings depth and perspective to the sport, complementing news and analysis with stories that highlight the people behind the machinery.
Clara has a particular interest in how personal narratives intersect with performance, and how individual experiences shape outcomes across a Formula 1 season.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
