Crucial Kimi Antonelli difference highlighted by Ferrari F1 winner

According to Jean Alesi, Kimi Antonelli has already managed to achieve what other Italian F1 drivers in the past struggled to do: win the sympathy of his compatriots.

Mercedes' second-year teenager started the 2026 season at high revs, securing his first grand prix victories in Shanghai and Suzuka.

The 19-year-old entered the April hiatus as the leader of the F1 drivers' title standings. Being 19 years, seven months, and four days old at the time of his triumph in Japan, he became the youngest championship leader of all time. 

The young driver's performances so far this season have convinced even his former critics, and in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365, Alesi, who raced for Ferrari between 1991 and 1995, highlighted how Antonelli has achieved something crucial that few of his predecessors could: he has conquered the notoriously passionate Italian fanbase, which is usually tough on its own drivers and primarily focused on the Scuderia.

"It's a very good balance and fortunate for Kimi, because it happened in the past with Alboreto and other very talented Italian drivers that there was no room for the Italian drivers," the one-time grand prix winner said.

"The press was just Ferrari, Ferrari. Now, it's not the case. They love him, and they love Ferrari. Also, they are very proud to have Kimi.

"So, it's a very beautiful story for him and also for those Italians who really love motorsports."

Antonelli is 'on his way'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said recently that the team was not surprised by the Italian's performance this year, as they were well aware of Antonelli's capabilities.

According to the Austrian, the direction is "right," but he is also "not expecting an all-year miracle."

Given that Mercedes has stood out from the field based on what has been seen so far, both experts and the public are inclined to view Antonelli as a title contender.

Alesi thinks it is still early in the season, but the 61-year-old also sees serious potential in the Italian, even at the expense of his more experienced team-mate, George Russell.

"He's on the way, he's on the way," said the Frenchman when asked about Antonelli's prospects for the rest of the season.

"George is also a strong contender for the championship, no question about it, even though he maybe will start to scratch his head a bit now."