The name of Kimi Antonelli, as anticipated by Gazzetta, is destined to intertwine with that of Mercedes for the post-Hamilton. And, while waiting for an official announcement on the future of the Bolognese talent, important support for Kimi’s career comes from the one who has made the history of Italian motorsport, Valentino Rossi.
Kart Friends
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The nine-time world champion of two wheels was busy this weekend in the 24 Hours of Spa of the endurance world championship, which he finished in 24th place after a contact with a lapped car, and he did not fail to make his personal support felt for the young Antonelli. “Our country is strong in many sports, but today we are missing F1. It’s been years since we had a winning Italian driver and I think Kimi Antonelli will be able to fill this gap”. The two then had the opportunity to share some training on karts with the drivers of the Academy of Tavullia. “I have been following Kimi since he was little – explains Valentino – during Covid we started playing together on racing simulators and now he comes to train with me and the other drivers of the Academy on karts”.
The man of rebirth
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Mercedes, fresh winner of the Austrian GP with George Russell, intends to focus strongly on the 2026 regulatory revolution to subvert the current balance of power that still sees the star drivers unable to fight consistently for victory. And it seems that Antonelli could be part of this “rebirth”, with Toto Wolff who has set aside the possibility of hiring more experienced drivers, among all Carlos Sainz Jr. Who knows, maybe then the Italian dream of having a winning driver again (even if not at the wheel of a Ferrari) could finally be fulfilled, (almost) 20 years after our country’s last success in F1 with Fisichella.
