Antonelli aims to emulate Valentino Rossi’s lasting fan legacy in Formula 1

Kimi Antonelli has revealed his ambition to build a lasting connection with motorsport fans, drawing inspiration from Italian icon Valentino Rossi.

Currently competing in just his second season of grand prix racing, Antonelli has emerged as Italy’s most successful Formula 1 driver since 1953. At only 20 years old, the Mercedes driver is closing in on becoming the youngest world champion in history. Should he surpass the milestone set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010, Antonelli would become Italy's first F1 champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Replicating the 'Rossi Effect'

Speaking to Automoto Italy, Antonelli reflected on Rossi's legendary mental strength, racecraft, and immense popularity.

“Very often, the races, he won them even before going down on the track,” Antonelli said. “He was very strong mentally. It would be nice to be able to experience this feeling. As an athlete, then, Vale was very complete, very fast, very strong in the race, especially on weekends that seemed uphill, when he started backwards and managed to recover.

“And he managed to attract a huge audience. Even today you can see people wearing his merchandise at MotoGP races even if he doesn't race anymore. It would be wonderful to recreate the same effect in F1: the esteem, the support, the cheering. It's a very beautiful thing.”

Bonds Across Italian Elite Sport

Beyond his admiration for Rossi, Antonelli maintains strong connections with prominent figures across the Italian sporting landscape. His circle includes MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi, world champion long jumper Mattia Furlani—who took gold at the 2025 World Championships after meeting Antonelli in Monza—and tennis world number one Jannik Sinner, a five-time Grand Slam winner.

“It's wonderful to have sports friends who compete at the highest levels, who understand what it means to manage pressure, the moments before a race, when you need to have your own space,” Antonelli explained. “It's nice to have these kinds of bonds, because they give you additional motivation to do even better. I'm glad to see them win, and I'd like to do the same, if not better. Even if doing better than Sinner is difficult.

“I consider Bezzecchi one of my best friends. We support each other, and when I can, I go to his races. When we are at home, we both go out for dinner together, and our groups of friends have joined. What he does is really crazy.”