Italian F1 fans vote on which Ferrari driver they prefer between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc

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Italian Formula 1 fans have been asked to name their favourite drivers on the 2026 grid, and this year, it’s tougher than ever.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli has become F1’s newest star and Italy’s newest sporting sensation. After a somewhat underwhelming rookie season, Antonelli has been spectacular this season, winning five races to open up a 25-point lead over pre-season title favourite George Russell.

Antonelli is the first Italian to win a Grand Prix since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006 and could become the country’s first champion since the 1950s. For decades, the nation has cheered on Ferrari above all, but now they have a dilemma.

In 10 years from now, where do you think Kimi Antonelli will rank among F1’s greatest drivers?

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Lewis Hamilton beaten by Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli in Italian F1 fan poll

The poll, published by Gazzetta dello Sport, canvassed the opinions of 1,835 F1 fans aged 18 to 64. They were asked: “When you think of Formula 1 today, who do you feel most connected to or support?”

Respondents were able to vote for drivers or teams and they could make up two selections.

Significantly, nearly a third of the participants picked Antonelli (33.1%). Charles Leclerc was second (21.5%) and Lewis Hamilton third (11.6%).

The other three drivers who collected two or more percent of the vote were Max Verstappen, George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

The report mentions that the poll took place in June, but it’s unclear whether it was before or Hamilton’s Barcelona GP victory on the 14th. Given that he ended a 20-month drought for Ferrari, that could have earned him some additional votes.

Which Ferrari driver has the edge on pure SPEED?

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While Hamilton is Ferrari’s biggest signing since Michael Schumacher, Leclerc has been with the team since 2019, a period that has included two memorable victories at Monza.

The Monegasque has now moved up to second place on Ferrari’s all-time appearance list (159 races), only behind Schumacher (180).

• READ MORE: Max Verstappen pinpoints what’s ‘suddenly’ changed for Lewis Hamilton this year

Hamilton didn’t score his first Grand Prix podium in red until March’s Chinese GP, his 26th race for the team. He has since bagged four more.

With the Briton now ahead of Leclerc in the standings, the results of the poll may look considerably different if it’s conducted again at the end of the season.