Fisichella is proud of Kimi Antonelli, as the Italian ends Italy’s F1 drought in China

A historic breakthrough for Italy

One week ago, Kimi Antonelli delivered a milestone moment for Italian motorsport, becoming the first driver from the country to win a Formula 1 race in almost two decades. The 19-year-old Mercedes protégé achieved the feat in emphatic fashion at the Chinese Grand Prix, rewriting the record books across a single, statement weekend.

On both counts, he succeeded compatriot Giancarlo Fisichella. The veteran had scored Italy’s previous pole position with Force India at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix and the nation’s last victory with Renault at the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Fisichella: "It was too much, 20 years"

Fisichella, whose Sepang win came on March 19, 2006 – months before Antonelli was born on August 25 that same year – admitted the moment carried emotional weight.

“If you consider the fact that when I won 20 years ago, Kimi was not even born!” Fisichella smiled.

“It’s just great. I’m happy for him and I’m proud of him. Honestly, it was too much, 20 years, to [wait and] see an Italian driver back on the top step of the podium.”

Drawing parallels between their victories, Fisichella highlighted the authority of Antonelli’s performance.

“Kimi had a fantastic weekend. Like my weekend in Malaysia 20 years ago, he was really competitive already in practice, then he scored pole position and then he won the race, leading from the first lap until the last lap. It was almost perfect.”

The impact in Italy has been immediate.

“In Italy, everybody has been talking about Kimi – everybody is happy,” he said. “Also on my side, on the Sunday and Monday after the race, every journalist, TV station, everybody... they called me. After a long time that I stopped in F1… it’s not that they forget me, but now I am famous again!”

Championship momentum and measured advice

Antonelli’s maiden win, added to his runner-up finish at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, leaves him just four points behind Russell in the Drivers’ Championship standings heading into Round 3 in Japan.

With anticipation inevitably building, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has sought to temper expectations. Fisichella echoed the need for balance, urging his fellow Italian to approach the campaign one step at a time.

“He’ll have a chance to do it again, and not just once, but a few times,” said the three-time Grand Prix winner. “He’s got the same opportunity as Russell, and at the moment Mercedes have the best car, so he’s got 50% of the chance to win races.”

“Now it’s important for him to think race by race, with no pressure, because even if he finishes second, he’s got nothing to lose, it’s okay – he will do a fantastic job if he finishes second. If he wins? It’s even better. He can put some pressure on Russell.”

The dynamic inside Mercedes could yet define the early championship narrative, with Antonelli’s rapid ascent placing immediate pressure on his established team mate.

Ferrari’s role in a potential Italian revival

Beyond Mercedes, Fisichella hopes Italy’s momentum can extend to Ferrari. After strong showings in Australia and China, he believes the Scuderia have the foundation to mount a sustained challenge.

“At the moment, Ferrari look to be the second strongest team, and they could be very strong [going forward],” he said. “I hope they can find a good solution for the next few races, especially in the development of the engine.”

A competitive Ferrari alongside a front-running Antonelli would create a compelling scenario for Italian fans.

“It would be a very nice fight at the front, and this is the hope for everybody in Italy – Kimi on one side, and Ferrari on the other side!”