Kimi Raikkonen has finally spoken publicly about the new Formula 1 phenomenon Andrea Kimi Antonelli, flattered to see his name thus inscribed once again in the racing firmament.
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The young Mercedes driver, 19 years old, currently dominates the 2026 championship with a 43-point lead after four consecutive wins.
And even though the Antonelli family has long claimed that the nickname “Kimi” has no connection with the former Ferrari world champion, few people in the paddock really believe it is just a coincidence.
Pure coincidence
Now, “the other Kimi” has spoken for himself: “Naturally, I follow Antonelli’s performances with a lot of sympathy,” Räikkönen told Italian journalist Leo Turrini in his column for Quotidiano Nazionale. It amuses me that he has the same first name as me, even though I think I understand that it is simply an innocent coincidence. He is clearly very good.”
Since his retirement at the end of 2021, Räikkönen gives very few interviews. At 46, the last Ferrari world champion now devotes much of his time to supporting the karting career of his son Robin Raikkonen.
But the former Ferrari driver watches closely the emergence of the young prodigy, who could become the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Turrini even joked about it: “Maybe being called Kimi will help change the course of history.”
The numbers don’t lie
Räikkönen seems to have no doubt about Antonelli’s talent: “You obviously don’t win four consecutive Formula 1 Grands Prix without having special talent. Antonelli’s statistics are exceptional. Of course, having the right car is essential, but that has always been the case in every era.”
When directly asked about Antonelli’s chances of becoming world champion this season, Räikkönen answered without hesitation: “Yes. And above all, he himself believes it. You can see it in the way he approaches races, in the mindset he shows.”
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The Finn also praised the young driver’s mental maturity under pressure: “Antonelli will not lose his concentration,” predicted Räikkönen. He shows a lot of maturity.”
However, he issued an indirect warning by mentioning Oscar Piastri’s 2025 season: “But he will have to avoid imitating the 2025 Piastri. At one point, it seemed he had the title in the bag, then he failed to handle the pressure. Antonelli will not fall into that trap.”
Max above the rest
Despite the impressive momentum of the young Italian, Räikkönen nevertheless considers that Max Verstappen remains currently the strongest driver in the discipline: “Verstappen!” he immediately replied when asked who is today the most impressive F1 driver. Max is a phenomenon.”
“I saw him arrive in Formula 1 during my second stint at Ferrari,” he recalls. He won his first race in Spain just ahead of me. That was when I realized a star was born.”
Räikkönen also reflected on Ferrari’s long wait since his own world title in 2007: “When I left Ferrari at the end of 2018, I hoped the team would quickly find my successor in the history of world champions. That hasn’t happened yet, but from afar, I see encouraging signs.”
Robin following in his footsteps
Now quietly settled near Lake Garda with his family, Räikkönen continues to travel across Europe to support his son Robin’s karting journey. And true to his reserved nature, the Finn refuses any excessive pressure around this new family adventure.
“Time will tell if his passion can become a career,” he concluded. I certainly don’t put any pressure on him.”
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