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Flavio Briatore believes a “phenomenon has been born” in Andrea Kimi Antonelli, as the Mercedes driver has proven the Alpine chief was “wrong” to question his ability.
Mercedes racer Antonelli has now resoundingly convinced Alpine executive adviser Briatore that he is the man to beat for the Formula 1 title this season. The 19-year-old has won each of the past five Grands Prix, and he even achieved the Grand Slam in Monaco last weekend.
Antonelli became the youngest driver in F1 history to achieve a Grand Slam after he set the fastest lap en route to winning the Monaco GP by leading every lap from pole position. The Italian even now boasts a massive 66-point lead atop the drivers’ standings after six rounds.
Is Kimi Antonelli about to run away with the championship, or will it be close?
Flavio Briatore has seen shades of Valentino Rossi in Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s dominance
Briatore admits that he questioned whether Antonelli had the talent and character to reach the levels he has hit in 2026 during his rookie season at Mercedes last year. But seeing how Antonelli held off Lewis Hamilton at the second restart in Monaco showed he was “wrong”.
READ MORE: The best moments of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s F1 career
Antonelli monstered his restart to win the Monaco GP, after creating a 6.271-second margin in front of Hamilton in P2 over the final eight laps of the race. Briatore now thinks there are no excuses for Antonelli’s dominance in 2026, and has even seen shades of Valentino Rossi.
Briatore told Sky Sports Italy: “The first time I saw Kimi last year, he looked like a young lad. It was incredible to think that such a young man could have such a personality and determination. He reminds me a bit of Valentino Rossi at the start of his career.
“We all thought he was a good driver. Toto Wolff has done an incredible job with him – he’s been following him practically since he was a child, and has clearly chosen the right person.
“He’d already won a few races in the lower categories, but many said it was mainly down to the car. For one race, you might think it was luck. For two races, you can find explanations. You can say a start went well or that a red flag helped you.
“But when you win five consecutive Grands Prix, there are no more excuses. On Sunday, when he restarted with Hamilton alongside, everyone thought it would be tough. Instead, he did something extraordinary.
Kimi Antonelli is going for his sixth straight win at the Barcelona GP. Who’s your pick for the top step of the podium?
“I really like Kimi. When you see him out of the car, he’s still just a lad. Then he puts on his helmet and becomes a beast. This year has been incredible. You can’t say ‘maybe he’ll win’ anymore. Now, he’s the benchmark.
“He’s the driver everyone has to beat if they want to win the world championship. I have to admit, I was wrong. I didn’t think he could be this strong and this determined. He makes practically no mistakes and always makes the right choice. A phenomenon has been born.”
Rossi won his maiden 500cc motorcycle world championship during the Italian’s second year on the grid back in 2001, after he came second in the 2000 standings by 49 points to Kenny Roberts Jr. He even lifted the first MotoGP-era title in 2002, then in ‘03, ‘04, ‘05, ‘08 and ‘09.
Antonelli is now fast becoming Italy’s new hero in search of the nation’s first F1 drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari won his second crown in 1953. Giuseppe Farina won the first F1 title in 1950, before Ascari put Italy back at the top in 1952. Now, Antonelli could end Italy’s wait.
The Mercedes racer would become the youngest-ever driver to win the F1 title if he goes on to clinch the crown this season by three years over Sebastian Vettel at 23 in 2010. But there are still 16 more rounds left, starting with the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix this weekend.
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