Antonelli admits disappointment with first F1 podium

Jul.21 (GMM)  A potential loan to Alpine could represent a detour in Kimi Antonelli’s journey toward his ultimate Formula 1 goal.

As speculation builds around Toto Wolff’s next moves—fuelled by rumours of a holiday meeting between Wolff and Max Verstappen in Sardinia—talk has intensified about a possible Mercedes driver shake-up for 2026, with Verstappen joining George Russell.

To make room for such a pairing, reports suggest Wolff may be in discussions with Flavio Briatore, not only about Valtteri Bottas but also about sending 18-year-old Antonelli on a temporary move to Alpine, where Mercedes engines will be in use next year.

For Antonelli, that would mark an unexpected twist in his plans.

“I know the last Italian champion in F1 was (Alberto) Ascari,” he told Sette, the lifestyle magazine of Corriere della Sera. “Am I the next one? That’s the goal.”

Antonelli’s rookie season with Mercedes—where he replaced Lewis Hamilton—has seen ups and downs so far, but he claimed his first podium in Canada earlier this year.

“It was fantastic,” he said, “but to be honest, I was also a little disappointed. We had the car to win, and my teammate, George, won.

“If I hadn’t made a small mistake in qualifying…”

Off-track, things appear more settled for the young Italian, especially in his relationship with Czech kart driver Eliska Babickova.

“She knows my world, she knows how much time it takes up,” Antonelli said. “She understands the sacrifices. When she comes to the track to watch me, it’s a pleasure and a support. I don’t have to worry, she certainly isn’t bored.

“But it’s still too early to live together.”

When asked about his personal heroes, Antonelli pointed to current world number one tennis star and fellow Italian, Jannik Sinner.

“I’d like to meet him,” he said. “I’m impressed by his mental strength during matches, especially when things aren’t going well. How many times has he turned difficult situations around?”

In motorsport, though, Antonelli draws inspiration from a legendary name.

“I’d ask (Ayrton Senna) how he managed to overcome fear after an accident and go even faster,” Antonelli said. “Because when you have an accident, you’re a bit scared.

“As drivers we don’t think about it, but we live with it.”

He also expressed admiration for another iconic Italian, Valentino Rossi, whom he’s met on the kart track.

“I wish I had his ability to surround himself with the right people and recognise the truly important ones who can help you perform at your best on the track, making you feel at peace,” Antonelli said.]]>