Kimi Raikkonen spoke for the first time about Kimi Antonelli.

      Kimi Raikkonen publicly evaluated Kimi Antonelli's performances in 2026 for the first time. In comments for Italian journalist Leo Turini, the 2007 world champion confidently stated that his namesake would also become a Formula 1 champion, possibly as early as this season.

      Kimi Raikkonen: "It is obvious that you cannot win four Grands Prix in a row in Formula 1 without special talent. Antonelli's results are an outstanding achievement. Of course, it is very important to have the right car at your disposal, but that has always been the case, throughout all times.

      I think he will be able to win the title. The main thing is that he believes in it himself. You can see it in the way he races, in his attitude.

      Antonelli will not lose focus, as he demonstrates maturity. He needs to avoid the mistake Oscar Piastri made in 2025. At one point, it seemed that the Australian from McLaren had the title in his pocket, but he couldn't handle the pressure. The Italian kid won't fall into the same trap."

      When asked who he considers the best Formula 1 driver of the modern era, Kimi said: "Verstappen! I saw him come into Formula 1 during the second part of my career at Ferrari. Max is a phenomenon. He won his first race in Spain, finishing right in front of me, ten years ago. That’s when I realized a new star was born."

      Kimi remains the last driver to bring a championship title to Ferrari. Reflecting on his former team, Raikkonen said: "When I left Scuderia at the end of 2018, I wished the team to find my successor on the list of champions as soon as possible. That hasn't happened yet, but even from afar, I see encouraging signs."