Antonelli: I know that I have already earned the respect of my opponents.

      Kimi Antonelli won not only four consecutive Grands Prix in 2026 but also the Lorenzo Bandini Prize. We reported on the fact that the 19-year-old Mercedes driver was awarded this prestigious honor. One can imagine how all of Italy rejoices, as Italian fans now fervently support their young and talented compatriot, even if he is not racing for Ferrari.

      Yesterday, the driver from Bologna was the hero of a ceremonial event, which traditionally took place in the town of Brisighella, where Kimi arrived from Imola driving a Mercedes AMG GT3 sports car, covering a distance of about 30 km. The car was specially decorated: the color scheme combined blue, symbolizing Bologna, and the Italian tricolor.

      On the way, he also stopped in Faenza, where he was greeted by representatives of the local municipality and, of course, enthusiastic fans, after which Kimi headed to Brisighella accompanied by a police escort. There, he was also welcomed by the city administration, then he participated in a press conference, and the actual award ceremony began at six in the evening. A special podium of decent size was erected in Marconi Square, and a large screen was set up so that everyone could see from afar.

      According to eyewitnesses, there was quite a crowd – thousands of people gathered in the square and the surrounding streets: fans were reportedly arriving in Brisighella as early as the morning. "This is truly a special and incredibly important day!" Kimi said, and it was clear that he was genuinely excited. "So many people have gathered here for me – I didn't expect such a reception! I think about those who received the Bandini Prize before me, including Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, and that only adds to my excitement. I will never forget this day!"

      When Antonelli was asked about the prospects of winning the championship title, he replied: "There is still a long season ahead, we know that. I am happy because the team is working great, and I want to repay them for all their efforts, so I intend to give my all. Competing with George Russell throughout the season will not be easy, but we want to avoid collisions, as that would create difficulties for the team. I asked Toto Wolff about the rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg in 2016, and he told me about both the good and the bad sides of those events, and such things should not happen again. Because the interests of the team always remain a priority.

      I am glad that I am gaining more and more fans, and I hope to please them with good results every weekend. But I also want my performances to make the right impression; I want to promote the right values. I am who you see me as, and I do not want to change.

      Of course, everything becomes different on the track, as Formula 1 is a shark tank: either you will eat everyone, or you will be eaten. I know that I have already earned the respect of my rivals because I have shown what I am capable of. I try to send them a clear signal: I intend to stay ahead; that is my goal. But outside the paddock, it is quite possible to maintain friendly relations, for example, with Max Verstappen, with whom we always get along well.

      We talk about GT racing, about Formula 1, but also about personal life matters – in general, outside the paddock, we are just normal guys!"