Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Italian F1 journalists are starting to show a preference for Kimi Antonelli over Ferrari, according to one paddock insider.
Ferrari are effectively the Italian national team and, as such, have dominated the country’s F1 coverage for decades.
But Antonelli is rapidly emerging as the sport’s next superstar. His maiden win in China launched a run of four in a row – something that’s never been done before in F1.
Will Kimi Antonelli’s F1 record ever be beaten?
The ‘unthinkable’ is happening – Kimi Antonelli is surpassing Ferrari
As noted by Marca, it seems ‘unthinkable’ that any driver will ever surpass Ferrari in the eyes of the Italian press. But Antonelli increasingly looks like a once-in-a-generation talent and, with a 43-point lead over George Russell, he’s on a path to becoming the first-ever teenage world champion.
His achievements so far this year have caught almost everyone by surprise, with the possible exception of biggest believer Toto Wolff. The speed of his rise has clearly captured the imagination in his homeland.
Marca’s Carlos Miquel has noticed that, when there’s a clash between an Antonelli press conference and a Ferrari media session, native reporters have started favouring the Mercedes driver. That’s a clear sign that he’s a bigger story right now.
Ferrari have been the nearest challengers to Mercedes so far this season but they still haven’t won a race since the tail end of the 2024 season.
Do you want to see Kimi Antonelli race for Ferrari one day?
It’s worth noting how long Italians have had to wait for a driver of this calibre. He is their first Grand Prix winner since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.
There are only four Italian drivers in F1 history who have won more races, including their most recent world champion, Alberto Ascari. Ascari won his second and final title in 1953.
- READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton explains why Kimi Antonelli has it easier than he did as a young F1 driver
The grandstands at Monza in September will still be predominantly red, but if Antonelli is in firm title contention (which he almost certainly will be), fans will face a genuine dilemma over which driver to cheer on.
Of course, the dream scenario for the Tifosi and the Italian press would be Antonelli racing in red.
And according to one rumour this week, Ferrari’s ownership are already working on a deal for Antonelli, even if it may take years to pull it off. The longer he sustains his success, the louder the speculation will grow.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
