Antonelli's successes are influencing the growth of Formula 1 ratings.

      Since the day Kimi Antonelli achieved his first victory by winning the Chinese Grand Prix, less than two months have passed, but during this time, there has been a rapid increase in Formula 1 television ratings, although it may be too early to judge the long-term consequences of these changes. However, the three consecutive victories that the 19-year-old Mercedes driver secured at three events, adding to his success in Shanghai with similar results in Suzuka and Miami, are not just a fact but also a sign of a certain trend. Antonelli leads the championship standings with a 20-point advantage over George Russell, even though the British driver was considered the favorite for the season. Now, discussions have begun about Kimi being the main contender for the title this year.

      Everyone knows that Antonelli is a protégé of Toto Wolff, who is creating all the conditions for the young Italian's talent to truly shine. However, the head of the Mercedes team still tries to maintain a balanced approach, and in a recent interview, when asked about Russell, he said: "We know George's capabilities, we know he will return to his usual level, and that will happen in Canada."

      By the way, a year ago, Kimi first stepped onto the podium in Montreal, so a bright performance from him is to be expected. And since it is important for Formula 1 as a whole – both as a sport and as a planetary-scale business project – that the fan base grows particularly among the younger generation, Kimi Antonelli is simply the perfect hero in this context.

      His successes are already having a noticeable impact on the growth of various ratings: in Italy alone, the television audience increased by 25% compared to the same period in 2025. Moreover, this growth is not only on free-to-air channels but also on the paid Sky Italia – this is specifically highlighted in Liberty Media's quarterly report.

      Here is even more telling statistics reflecting this positive trend: worldwide, the ratings for the broadcasts of the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix on free-to-air channels increased by 28 and 30 percent, respectively. On one hand, this is partly explained by the increased spectacle of the races due to the rise in overtaking with the new regulations, but this is still a secondary factor compared to Antonelli's successes.

      Here’s what Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said about this: "Kimi belongs to a new generation that will lead our sport into the future. He is not only an incredibly talented driver who is already leading the championship but also a wonderful person, and for F1, he has become a true asset despite his young age. Fans love him, both in Italy and around the world, and it is very joyful to see his successes."