Raikkonen finally addresses "the other Kimi."

      Kimi Raikkonen has spoken publicly for the first time about Formula 1's latest rising star, championship leader Andrea "Kimi" Antonelli. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver currently holds a 43-point lead in the 2026 world championship following four consecutive wins. Despite Antonelli’s family claiming that the nickname "Kimi" was not influenced by the 2007 Ferrari world champion, many in the Formula 1 community are skeptical of this assertion. Raikkonen, the original Kimi, has now shared his thoughts.

      "Of course, I follow Antonelli’s achievements with great interest," Raikkonen told veteran Italian journalist Leo Turrini in his Quotidiano Nazionale column. "It’s amusing that he shares my name, although I think I've come to understand that it’s just a coincidence." He added, "He’s certainly quite talented."

      The notoriously reserved Finn rarely gives interviews since retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2021. Now 46, he spends much of his time supporting his son Robin's burgeoning karting career and remains Ferrari's last world champion. An Italian "Kimi" may be on the verge of rewriting history, as no Italian driver has clinched the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Turrini humorously suggested, "Perhaps having the name Kimi will help alter the situation."

      Raikkonen clearly thinks highly of Antonelli. "In Formula 1, you don't win four consecutive grands prix unless you possess exceptional talent," he remarked. "Antonelli’s achievements are remarkable. Having the right car is essential, but that has always been true in every era."

      When asked straight out if Antonelli could win the 2026 title, Raikkonen was quick to respond. "Yes. And he believes it. You can see that in his race approach and the spirit he brings."

      The Finn also commended Antonelli’s mindset and composure under pressure. "Antonelli won’t lose his focus," Raikkonen predicted. "He’s demonstrating maturity." He cautioned, "But he’ll need to steer clear of repeating Piastri's experience from 2025. At one point, it looked like he had the title secured, but he struggled to manage the pressure. Antonelli won’t make the same mistake."

      Despite Antonelli’s impressive performance, Raikkonen still regards Max Verstappen as the strongest driver in Formula 1 at present. "Verstappen!" he responded immediately when asked who stands out in the sport today. "Max is a phenomenon. I witnessed his entry into Formula 1 during my second time at Ferrari, and he won his first race in Spain right in front of me. That’s when I realized a star had emerged."

      Raikkonen also reflected on Ferrari's prolonged title drought. "When I departed from Ferrari at the end of 2018, I hoped the team would quickly discover my successor in the championship's hall of fame," he stated. "That hasn't happened yet, but from a distance, I see promising signs."

      Outside of F1, Raikkonen now leads a quiet life near Lake Garda in Italy while traveling across Europe with his wife to back the karting career of their 11-year-old son, Robin. "Time will tell if his passion can develop into a career," Raikkonen noted. "I certainly don’t impose any pressure on him."