Ferrari's regrets increase as Antonelli's momentum persists.

      As Kimi Antonelli's impressive title campaign gains traction, there are renewed inquiries about why Ferrari failed to secure Italy's most promising young talent in recent generations. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver now leads the world championship by 68 points following five straight victories, sparking increased enthusiasm in Italy and fresh examination of Ferrari's choice not to sign him as a youth.

      Even former Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, known for his talent identification skills, has expressed admiration. After Max Verstappen's incident at the start in Monaco deprived fans of a possible showdown with Antonelli, Marko acknowledged that Formula 1 missed an opportunity. "Unfortunately, we can’t know what might have occurred," he remarked to Blick. "But hats off to Kimi Antonelli. What he’s showcasing currently is Formula 1 at its peak.”

      In reference to Verstappen's misfortune, Marko remarked, "Such bad luck. The fans were robbed of an exciting duel between the two top drivers."

      Italian media are increasingly celebrating Antonelli’s victories. "Five more wins to break the record and match Verstappen," noted La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Giulia Toninelli, alluding to the Dutchman’s record of ten consecutive wins. "Antonelli is aiming for a winning streak until the August break to match the Dutchman's record."

      Meanwhile, former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has clarified why Antonelli was never part of the Maranello junior program. "In my last year at Ferrari, 2018, Antonelli was 10 or 11 years old," he explained to Quotidiano Nazionale. "At that time, Ferrari lacked the structure to accommodate such young kids. I’m not speaking as a team principal, but regarding the company. Things at Ferrari are somewhat more complicated than at other teams."

      Arrivabene maintains that the situation wouldn’t necessarily be different today. "Even now, it wouldn’t be easy to sign a talented 11-year-old like Kimi Raikkonen’s son, Robin," he asserted. Ferrari was focused on other young talents back then. "We were busy getting Leclerc into the car, and even then it was challenging—there wasn’t unanimous agreement. Some believed Charles was too young for Ferrari."

      Nonetheless, Arrivabene feels Antonelli has the potential to become Ferrari's world champion in the future. "Precisely because he’s 19 and so skilled, I believe Antonelli has ample time to win the world title, even with Ferrari."

      Former grand prix winner and Italian Riccardo Patrese also acknowledged Mercedes chief Toto Wolff for recognizing Antonelli's talent early on. "Not everyone is recruited at 12 and brought into F1," he shared with Corriere della Sera. "We must also credit Toto Wolff, who had immense faith in Kimi and supported him. It was a risk, and it’s paying off nicely."

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

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