Ferrari's regrets deepen as Antonelli's rise persists.

      As Kimi Antonelli's impressive title campaign gains traction, there are renewed inquiries into why Ferrari did not manage to sign Italy's most thrilling young talent in many years. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver currently tops the world championship, leading by 68 points following five straight victories, which has sparked excitement in Italy and increased scrutiny of Ferrari's choice to overlook him in his youth.

      Even Dr. Helmut Marko, a former advisor at Red Bull renowned for his talent identification, has taken notice. After Max Verstappen's starting-line misfortune in Monaco prevented fans from witnessing a potential showdown with Antonelli, Marko acknowledged that Formula 1 missed an opportunity. "Unfortunately, we can only speculate on what might have happened," he stated to Blick. "But kudos to Kimi Antonelli. What he is currently showcasing is Formula 1 at its finest."

      Commenting on Verstappen's misfortune, Marko remarked, "Such bad luck. The fans were deprived of an incredible duel between the two top drivers."

      Italian media are increasingly rallying behind Antonelli's achievements. "Five more wins to break the record and match Verstappen," wrote Giulia Toninelli of La Gazzetta dello Sport, referring to the Dutchman's record of ten consecutive victories. "Antonelli aims for a winning streak until the August break to equal the Dutchman's record."

      Meanwhile, former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene explained why Antonelli was not included in the Maranello junior program. "In my last year at Ferrari, 2018, Antonelli was about 10 or 11 years old," he shared with Quotidiano Nazionale. "At that time, Ferrari did not yet have the structure to accommodate such young kids. I’m not speaking as a team principal but regarding the company itself. Things at Ferrari are somewhat more complicated than at other teams."

      Arrivabene believes the scenario wouldn’t necessarily differ today. "Even now, it wouldn’t be easy to sign a talented 11-year-old like Kimi Raikkonen’s son, Robin," he noted. Ferrari was focused on another young talent at that time. "We were occupied with getting Leclerc into the car, and even then it was challenging – not everyone was in agreement. Some considered Charles too young for Ferrari."

      However, Arrivabene is optimistic that Antonelli could one day be Ferrari’s world champion. "Given that he is 19 and so talented, I believe Antonelli will have ample opportunity to secure the world title, even in a Ferrari."

      Former grand prix victor Riccardo Patrese also commended Mercedes chief Toto Wolff for identifying Antonelli's potential early on. "Not everyone is recruited at 12 and taken into F1," he told Corriere della Sera. "We must also thank Toto Wolff, who had great faith in Kimi and supported him. It was a gamble that has paid off remarkably."

      When asked which drivers he would pick if managing a Formula 1 team, Patrese's response was quick. "Kimi and Verstappen, for sure," he smiled.

      Antonelli's manager at the time, Giovanni Minardi, confirmed that Ferrari overlooked the future championship leader due to his age. "They told me he was too young," Minardi revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport.