Montezemolo expresses regret about Antonelli 'driving a Mercedes'.

      "I would have liked to see him in Ferrari."

      Luca di Montezemolo has expressed that he would have preferred to witness Italy’s new Formula 1 star Kimi Antonelli representing Ferrari instead of Mercedes. The former president of Ferrari was among many in Italy celebrating the 19-year-old’s impressive victory from pole position in Shanghai—a win that has sparked significant media attention and led to immediate speculation regarding a potential move to Maranello.

      "His victory excited me," Montezemolo shared with Corriere della Sera. "He’s a 19-year-old who is continuously improving. He displayed maturity and poise, which is not typical for an Italian, especially for someone his age."

      Nonetheless, Montezemolo couldn't conceal his regret. "It was somewhat frustrating to see him in a Mercedes," he admitted. "I would have liked him to be in Ferrari."

      Still, he recognized that putting Antonelli in Ferrari at such a young age could have been detrimental. "Placing someone like him directly in Ferrari would have meant ruining him," Montezemolo commented. "The pressure would have been immense."

      The Italian media has already started speculating openly about Antonelli’s long-term prospects—especially considering Ferrari's current driver roster and the potential for a seat to become available in the coming years. Meanwhile, Antonelli is remaining grounded.

      "Yes, of course, Ferrari is Ferrari—it’s colossal," he remarked to Corriere dello Sport upon returning to Italy. "But honestly, winning for Mercedes wouldn’t be a bad option either."

      The teenager also expressed admiration for Lewis Hamilton, with whom he shared the podium in Shanghai. A photo resurfaced showing then ‘F1 Grid Kid’ Antonelli shaking hands with the seven-time world champion at Monza years back.

      "I truly believe that’s the photo of the year, the one with Lewis," Antonelli said with enthusiasm. "He has always been supportive, so we have a beautiful connection. It’s special, especially with a champion like him."

      Despite the growing excitement, Antonelli is downplaying any discussions about an immediate title challenge. "Life is changing, but I’m not focusing on the title," he told La Repubblica.

      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is also advocating for caution, acknowledging that teammate and championship leader George Russell still has an advantage in terms of speed at this moment. "For now, George is still a bit faster," Wolff conceded, while affirming that Antonelli has the broader attributes necessary to eventually become a world champion.