Kimi Antonelli told he was ‘uncharacteristic of an Italian’ after Chinese GP win

March 19, 2026 Oliver Obel

Kimi Antonelli’s maiden Formula 1 victory in China has not only marked a milestone in his career but also sparked renewed debate in Italy about his long-term future and whether it could eventually include Ferrari.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver delivered a composed performance in Shanghai, converting pole position into victory despite briefly losing the lead to Lewis Hamilton at the start. He reclaimed the position on the second lap and steadily built a gap while others battled behind him.

Antonelli ultimately finished 5.5 seconds clear of team-mate George Russell. Aside from a late lock-up in the closing stages, his drive was largely controlled and error-free, underlining his rapid development at the top level.

Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who led the team during its dominant early-2000s era, said the performance stood out to him. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, he praised Antonelli’s composure and race management.

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“His victory moved me,” Montezemolo said. “He showed maturity and composure, uncharacteristic of an Italian, and especially not of someone his age.”

Montezemolo also noted, with some frustration, that Antonelli is currently part of Mercedes rather than Ferrari, describing it as “a little annoying” to see the Italian talent elsewhere.

Antonelli has been part of Mercedes’ junior program for years and stepped into a race seat following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season.

His emergence has inevitably revived discussion about Ferrari’s lack of Italian drivers. The team has not had a full-time Italian competitor since Michele Alboreto in 1988. Short-term appearances by Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella came in 2009, when Felipe Massa was sidelined through injury.

For now, however, Antonelli has made clear he is focused on his current team. In an interview with Sky Sports F1 in December 2025, he acknowledged Ferrari’s appeal but emphasized his commitment to Mercedes.

“Ferrari are an incredible team with massive global stature, so of course racing for Ferrari would be amazing,” he said. “But I’m really happy where I am, and the goal is to win a world championship with Mercedes.”

Whether that ambition keeps him in silver or eventually leads him to red remains an open question but his performance in China has ensured the conversation is only just beginning.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Sky Sports F1