The next step for F1 leader Antonelli might be a meeting with the Pope.

The next step for F1 leader Antonelli might be a meeting with the Pope.

      "Leo XIV is expected to grant an audience soon."

      Formula 1 championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli may soon have the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, negotiations are in progress for a meeting between the 19-year-old Mercedes driver and the newly appointed pope.

      "The Vatican is optimistic that Leo XIV will soon meet with the young leader of the Formula 1 World Championship," the Italian publication stated.

      The report indicated that Antonelli sees the Pope as a source of inspiration, referencing the faith and solidarity values often linked to the late Ayrton Senna. The Italian teenager has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 season, achieving five consecutive victories before a power unit failure halted his streak in Barcelona.

      Currently, Antonelli holds a 41-point lead over Lewis Hamilton as he approaches the Austrian GP next weekend.

The next step for F1 leader Antonelli might be a meeting with the Pope.

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The next step for F1 leader Antonelli might be a meeting with the Pope.

Formula 1 | Kimi Antonelli, the leader of the Formula 1 championship, may soon have the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, talks (…)