Teenage Formula 1 star Andrea Kimi Antonelli was around half a million Italian students who started their 'maturità' final high-school exams on Wednesday.
    The 18-year-old Mercedes driver, who became the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula One history when he came third at last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, is completing his studies in international relations and marketing at the Gaetano Salvemini Institute at Casalecchio di Reno, near Bologna.
    "While Kimi Antonelli has always had lots of sporting commitments, he never lost sight of school and he never lost sight of the goal of taking his final exams," said Alessandra Regina, the teacher who coordinates Antonelli's class.
    "We are very happy and proud that Kimi is taking his final exams with his classmates.

He is a very humble boy and his classmates support him.
    "When he was travelling for Grands Prix he would call me or write to ask me questions, or he would comee straight from the airport to class to have things explained to him again and then he would do the tests.
    "He deserves to take his final exams and pass with flying colours.
    "He once said something beautiful to me.

'I'm happy to go back to school and I'm happy to go back to school for my classmates'.
    "There's a wonderful relationship between him and the other kids and they're great because they support him.
    "His dream is to become a Formula 1 champion and he managed to get on the podium, so we're very proud".
    Among other things, Antonelli's third place in Canada was the first time an Italian registered a podium finish in Formula 1 since Jarno Trulli at the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix.
   

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