Kimi Antonelli (centre) met members of Ayrton Senna's family ahead of the Sao Paulo GP, where he also sat in the cockpit of the Brazilian great's 1986 Lotus. (Insta pic)SAO PAULO: Newly crowned Formula One world champion Kimi Antonelli paid tribute to his childhood hero Ayrton Senna on Wednesday, saying the late Brazilian's talent and dedication would continue to influence his approach to the sport after becoming the youngest driver to win the title.

The 20-year-old Italian, who clinched the title with a third-place finish in Mexico on Sunday, spent time with members of Senna's family ahead of this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He also sat in the cockpit of the Brazilian great's 1986 Lotus and visited his grave for the second year in a row.