Kimi Antonelli: My goal is to win together with Mercedes.

      Kimi Antonelli became the 33rd laureate of the Lorenzo Bandini Prize, and we reported on how this important day went for him. Naturally, the 19-year-old leader of the World Championship also spoke with the Italian press.

      In his homeland, Kimi is now one of the most popular athletes, and it is quite logical that he was asked about his future plans, whether he has a desire to become a Ferrari driver someday, as this team has a truly cult status in Italy.

      “Ferrari is a huge team, it has an incredible army of fans, and Scuderia will forever remain in history,” Antonelli replied. “But I am a Mercedes driver, and my goal is to win together with Mercedes. They provided me with great opportunities when I was very young, supported me throughout my career, and I feel that I owe it to this team to do everything I can. We’ll see what happens next.”

      The terms and duration of contracts for Formula 1 drivers with teams are not always reliably known, and it is formally considered that Antonelli's contract is only until 2026, but after its confirmation last fall, the Italian driver said:

      “I spoke with the team, and they want to continue working with me in the future, not just next year, but for that, I need to perform well. Probably, they plan to continue working with me even after 2026, but on my part, I need to deliver results.”

      Since Kimi's results this season are indeed impressive, there is no doubt about his prospects at Mercedes.

      Returning to the Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini, it is worth adding that among Mercedes drivers, the laureates of this prize have been Nico Rosberg (in 2011), Valtteri Bottas (in 2018), and George Russell (in 2024).

      Lewis Hamilton received his prize in 2009, when he was still with McLaren. Both drivers currently racing for this team have also been honored with this award – Lando Norris in 2023, Oscar Piastri last year.