Ferrari's regret deepens as Antonelli's momentum continues to rise.

      As Kimi Antonelli's impressive title quest gains traction, there are renewed inquiries regarding Ferrari's failure to sign Italy's most thrilling young talent in years. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver currently heads the world championship with a 68-point lead following five consecutive wins, sparking excitement in Italy and fresh evaluation of Ferrari's earlier decision not to recruit him as a youth.

      Even former Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, known for his ability to spot talent, has expressed admiration. After Max Verstappen's unfortunate start-line issue in Monaco deprived fans of a possible race-off with Antonelli, Marko acknowledged that Formula 1 missed out on a spectacular showdown. "Sadly, none of us can predict what would have transpired," he told Blick. "But hats off to Kimi Antonelli. What he’s currently showcasing is Formula 1 at its finest."

      Commenting on Verstappen’s misfortune, Marko added, "Such unfortunate luck. The fans were deprived of a thrilling duel between the two top drivers." The Italian media is increasingly celebrating Antonelli's achievements. "Five more victories to break the record and match Verstappen," noted La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Giulia Toninelli, referencing the Dutchman's record of ten straight wins. "Antonelli aims to continue winning until the August break to equal Verstappen’s record."

      Meanwhile, former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has clarified why Antonelli wasn't part of the Maranello junior program. "During my final year at Ferrari in 2018, Antonelli was only 10 or 11 years old," he explained to Quotidiano Nazionale. "At that point, Ferrari lacked the framework to manage such young children. I’m speaking not just as a team principal, but regarding the company overall. Things at Ferrari are somewhat more intricate compared to other teams."

      Arrivabene believes the circumstances today wouldn’t necessarily be any different. "Even now, it wouldn't be easy to sign a talented 11-year-old like Kimi Raikkonen's son, Robin," he remarked. At that time, Ferrari's focus was directed towards another young talent. "We were occupied with bringing Leclerc into the vehicle, and even then it was a struggle—not everyone was in agreement. Some thought even Charles was too young for Ferrari." However, Arrivabene is optimistic about Antonelli's future prospects with Ferrari. "Given that he’s 19 and performing strongly, I believe Antonelli will have ample time to secure a world title, even with Ferrari."

      Former grand prix winner Riccardo Patrese also praised Mercedes chief Toto Wolff for recognizing Antonelli's potential early on. "It’s not common for everyone to be picked up at 12 and ushered into F1," he stated to Corriere della Sera. "We owe thanks to Toto Wolff, who had great faith in Kimi and supported him. It was a risk, and it’s paying off very well." When asked which drivers he would choose if he were in charge of a Formula 1 team, Patrese's response was immediate. "Kimi and Verstappen, absolutely," he smiled.

      Giovanni Minardi, Antonelli's manager at the time, also confirmed that Ferrari opted not to pursue the future championship leader due to his age. "They told me he was too young," Minardi shared with La Gazzetta dello Sport.