Kimi Antonelli will make his F1 debut with Mercedes, but that hasn’t stopped Italy’s passionate Tifosi from embracing their latest homegrown talent.
Despite Ferrari’s near-religious following in Italy, the 18-year-old rookie has felt nothing but excitement and support from his compatriots ahead of his first season at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Antonelli’s meteoric rise through the junior categories, including a rookie Formula 2 campaign that saw him take victories with Prema, has positioned him as Italy’s most promising F1 prospect in years.
With his debut season looming, the young driver is soaking up the energy from his home fans.
“The Tifosi, they have a really strong passion for Ferrari,” Antonelli told the media at this week’s F1 75 Live event in London.
“But I think they’re very excited for a nice Italian driver. There’s a lot of hype around already.
“I think it’s great. There’s such a positive energy and I’m really looking forward to racing most in my two home races [Imola and Monza]. Because, you know, many people are very excited.
“To be honest, I don’t really feel [I’m in the] shadow. But, I mean, we’ll see how things get.”
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Antonelli’s arrival has undeniably reignited excitement in Italy, a nation that – quite incredibly – hasn’t celebrated a homegrown F1 world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Whether driving in Ferrari red or Mercedes silver, the prospect of an Italian battling at the front of the grid is something the Tifosi won’t ignore.
Keeping Expectations in Check
While the buzz around Antonelli is undeniable, the rookie remains focused on the long game rather than immediate glory. He understands the challenge that awaits him and is approaching his first season with a measured mindset.
“I don’t have a lot of expectations, to be honest,” he admitted. “What I’m really going to do is try to focus on the process. Try to enjoy it as well.
“But definitely something I really want to do is start with a good rhythm and try to build from it and try to be consistent.”
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The step up to F1 is a daunting one, and Antonelli is aware of the fierce competition he will face. While his natural instinct is to push for victory, he knows patience will be key.
“Of course, the mindset is always going to be the same. So try to go on track and win and do the best job possible,” he said.
“But you have to be realistic at the same time. Because the level is super competitive.”
With that in mind, Antonelli is eager to develop alongside his more experienced teammate, George Russell, and make the most of his rookie campaign.
“So I’ll just try to focus on myself and try to work well with George and the team.”
As F1 gears up for the 2025 season opener in Australia, Antonelli is poised to make his mark.
With the support of his homeland behind him and a steely determination to succeed, Italy’s newest racing star is ready to take on the world—even if he’s wearing silver instead of red.
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