Trulli predicts Antonelli will win the title following his impressive performance in Monaco.

      Jarno Trulli believes Kimi Antonelli might be ideally positioned to clinch the 2026 world championship after he became the first Italian to win the Monaco Grand Prix since Trulli himself achieved it in 2004. Antonelli's seamless victory on the streets of Monte Carlo—marking his fifth consecutive win in Formula 1—has sparked increasing enthusiasm in Italy, with Trulli among those who feel the 19-year-old Mercedes driver is exceptional.

      "Winning at Monte Carlo is not something everyone can do," Trulli told Corriere dello Sport. "It's a challenging, intricate track that requires intense and continuous focus. If you succeed there, you are indeed remarkable."

      The 51-year-old Trulli confessed he was not taken aback by the outcome. "When asked for a prediction before the race, I candidly said: Kimi seems to be in outstanding form, and he has the best car at his disposal."

      He noted that Antonelli's age makes his accomplishment even more noteworthy. When the interviewer inquired whether a flawless victory in Monaco for a 19-year-old in his second Formula 1 season indicated predestination, Trulli affirmed, "Absolutely."

      He believes Antonelli should now concentrate fully on the championship race. "Formula 1 teaches a harsh but beautiful lesson—you must be in the right place at the right time. This is the moment for Kimi to passionately strive for the title because every year presents a new tale. This could genuinely be his season."

      Trulli considers that Antonelli's most significant challenge might not be his fellow competitors. "He’s in fantastic condition, fully attuned to the car, and his only real rival is himself, especially since Russell, for reasons I can't delineate, is having difficulties."

      The former grand prix winner reflected on the distinctive challenge posed by Monaco. "It's a combination of concentration, sensitivity, and courage," he said. "Monaco does not permit errors."

      In a humorous off-track incident, Antonelli became the subject of attention after viral footage appeared to show Lewis Hamilton's new girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, leaving the parc fermé with the fresh podium towel of the Mercedes driver. Mercedes playfully contributed to the narrative by posting a social media compilation that featured Antonelli looking puzzled after washing his hands, asking, "Have you seen my towel?"