Rossi supports Antonelli against Ferrari in the battle for the Italian title.
Valentino Rossi has expressed his support for Kimi Antonelli rather than Ferrari, as the 19-year-old becomes increasingly viewed as Italy's hope for a Formula 1 world champion. The nine-time world champion in motorcycle racing has forged a close bond with Antonelli, who frequently visits Rossi’s VR46 Motor Ranch and interacts with members of his academy.
"You can understand the significance of Ferrari in Italy," Rossi remarked to Sky Italia. "It's akin to a religion, but ultimately, I’m a fan of the drivers, which is why I'm cheering for Kimi now."
Antonelli solidified his lead in the championship by winning from pole at Spa, increasing his margin over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 50 points. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is positioned 5 points ahead of Russell in second place, trailing Antonelli.
"He’s an exceptional talent," Rossi stated regarding Antonelli. "He possesses remarkable speed, and Italy hasn't had a driver capable of clinching the Formula 1 World Championship in the past 70 years. This is why it would be something truly significant."
Antonelli’s performance at Spa garnered further acclaim in the international press. "Kimi Antonelli’s masterpiece!" exclaimed La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He navigated the challenges of a dramatic Grand Prix with mastery." Corriere dello Sport referred to it as "an impressive comeback victory," while Spain’s Marca noted that Antonelli had demonstrated his worth "on the most challenging and iconic stage of classic Formula 1."
France’s Le Parisien echoed similar sentiments. "At just 19 years old, Kimi Antonelli appears unflappable," it stated. "He became the first driver since Max Verstappen in 2021 to win from pole position at the Belgian GP."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remarked on Antonelli’s emotional stability, which has even surprised the team that has backed him since childhood. "We did not anticipate the composure and structure he exhibited," the Austrian noted. "With Kimi, regardless of whether the session was successful or not, there’s no significant variation in emotions during the post-race debrief."
Wolff also pointed out that Antonelli provided reassurance to Mercedes after his recent technical retirements. "In Barcelona, when the car broke down, or even at Silverstone, he returned to the pits and reassured the team, saying, 'Well, this is motorsport, these things can happen.' All at just 19 years old!"
"It’s truly remarkable. I believe this mindset and attitude are likely key factors in his early success in his career." Former Ferrari engineer and strategist Luca Baldisserri noted that this composure was evident in Antonelli during his youth. "Kimi displayed this quality when he was 11 or 12," he shared with Corriere della Sera. "He was focused, curious, and eager to learn from the great champions, determined to achieve his aspirations."
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