F1 World Champion, Kimi Antonelli enjoys washing his car by hand. The psychology behind the everyday chore

November 2, 2026 - 07:32

Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli says he enjoys washing his car by hand, taking the time to clean and dry it properly rather than rushing through the task. The routine offers a quiet counterpoint to the high speed environment of his racing career.

Psychological research suggests that everyday chores can become genuinely satisfying when approached with attention and care. Studies have linked mindful dishwashing with greater inspiration and lower nervousness, showing that the benefits come from focusing on the sensory details of the activity rather than treating it as a race to completion. Familiar routines have also been associated with a stronger sense of meaning in life, helping people feel grounded amid unpredictable schedules.

For Antonelli, the appeal seems to sit in that same space. Washing a car by hand demands patience and a steady rhythm, and the result is visible immediately. The chore becomes less about obligation and more about a deliberate pause, a small pocket of order in a day otherwise defined by split second decisions and constant travel. It is a reminder that even the most ordinary tasks can carry psychological weight when done with intention.