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A former Ferrari race engineer has suggested that Kimi Antonelli has already proved that he is a ‘generational talent’.
Last year, Antonelli was chosen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement after the seven-time world champion made a high-profile transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari.
During his rookie year at the pinnacle of motorsports, Antonelli had a mixed season as he showed glimpses of world-class abilities but also a clear lack of experience.
However, in 2026, the 19-year-old has enjoyed a flying start as he leads George Russell by 43 points at the top of the standings.
After Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix, the teenager is now being declared the clear favourite for the world title.
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Kimi Antonelli has already proved he is a ‘generational talent’
Although this is only Antonelli’s second season in F1, ex-Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley already thinks he is a ‘generational talent’.
Speaking on the latest episode of the High Performance Racing podcast, Smedley revealed that he watched Antonelli closely during the Canadian Grand Prix, and he was impressed by the Italian’s abilities.
Smedley explained: “I was watching him and I walked down to turn 1,2 and 3, and then later on, I walked down to the last chicane before the hairpin before they go under the bridge.
“I was watching down there, he is very good, he is very good for someone who has done 1.3 seasons of Formula 1.
“You can see how much he’s got the car on the limit. You can just see like where he brakes, how he’s got the car on the limit, you know, the way the car moves, how precise he is.
“How consistent he is in that precision of line, he is constantly doing the same thing. He’s just very, very good for someone who has so little experience in the car.
“I think that we have a generational talent. I really do think he’s that good. I thought it when he was in the junior formula.”
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Rob Smedley urges Kimi Antonelli not to ‘expect’ racing room from George Russell
Antonelli and Russell went wheel-to-wheel for the first time this season during the Canadian Grand Prix Sprint, which left the Italian furious as he demanded punishment for his teammate on the team radio.
What resulted was Antonelli getting a telling off from Toto Wolff, who told his driver to concentrate on driving rather than complaining.
Reacting to the incident between the Silver Arrows, Smedley urged Antonelli not to ‘expect’ racing room from his rival.
Smedley said: “I sent Otmar (Szafnauer) a text and I said that was a little bit close and a little bit naughty. I thought it was a bit naughty.
“He didn’t give him any room. I mean, he should have given his teammate a bit more room.
“But, then again, his teammate also shouldn’t, like Kimi should not expect the room.”
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