Kimi Antonelli continues to impress the world of F1, but this time, it is neither a victory nor a new record that has put the young Italian in the spotlight, but rather a prestigious award.
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At only 19 years old, the Mercedes driver received this week the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy in Brisighella, an iconic distinction in Italian motorsport that annually rewards the most outstanding talents in the discipline.
Before him, drivers such as Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen had already been honored.
The trophy, a ceramic reproduction of the Ferrari 312 driven by Lorenzo Bandini and adorned with the number 18, rewards an already exceptional 2026 season for Antonelli.
A meteoric rise
Since the beginning of the year, the young Italian has continuously pushed the limits. His first Grand Prix victory in Shanghai marked the start of an impressive series, followed by new successes in Japan, Miami, and recently in Canada. Thanks to these performances, Antonelli became the youngest leader in the history of the Formula 1 World Championship.
After his triumph in Montreal, he immediately flew to Italy to receive his award in front of an enthusiastic audience. But beyond the celebration, another topic occupied the conversations: the increasingly persistent rumors linking him to Ferrari.
As often happens when a young Italian driver shines at the highest level, speculations about a future move to Ferrari multiply.
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Ferrari? Not on the agenda
Facing the media present in Brisighella, Antonelli chose to respond clearly: “Ferrari is a huge team with incredible support and will forever remain in the history of the sport. I am a Mercedes driver and my goal is to win with Mercedes.”
A strong statement that sounds like a reminder of his loyalty to the team that has supported him since his beginnings: “They gave me an exceptional opportunity when I was very young. They have supported me throughout my journey and I feel the duty to give my best for this team.”
These words should particularly reassure Toto Wolff. The Mercedes boss has made Antonelli the cornerstone of the project to rebuild the German team after Hamilton’s departure. So far, the bet seems largely successful.
A legend in the making
Not only has the young Italian already won several Grands Prix, but he also leads the World Championship with a comfortable lead over his teammate Russell, 131 points to 88. In this context, receiving such a symbolic distinction in Italy while publicly reaffirming his commitment to Mercedes carries a particular significance.
The emotional bond between Ferrari and great Italian drivers will undoubtedly continue to fuel speculations in the years to come. But for now, Antonelli does not seem willing to be distracted.
His focus remains entirely on Mercedes and on his main goal: to win his first world title. And judging by the current trajectory of the young Italian prodigy, this dream could well become reality sooner than expected.
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