Guenther Steiner has no doubt Kimi Antonelli will one day drive for Ferrari.
Incoming F1 champion Antonelli is contracted to the Brackley-based squad until at least the end of 2027 after the team exercised an option on his deal. Despite enjoying a flying start to the season, though, Mercedes' dominance has slipped of late.
Naturally, given Antonelli's Italian heritage, and the fact Ferrari is approaching two decades since its last drivers' champion, there has been speculation over a longer-term move to Ferrari.
Former Haas team principal Steiner sees it as a matter of when, rather than if, the 20-year-old will one day drive for the Scuderia.
Asked whether he could envisage Antonelli at Ferrari, speaking to RacingNews365, Italian Steiner replied: "Some people ask why he is not driving for us. That's the only not-so-perfect thing for Italy, that there is an Italian champion not driving for Ferrari.
"But I think at some stage. Think about it. He's 20 years old. He's so young, so at some stage, in my opinion, he will drive for Ferrari.
"Will it be short term? No. It will be maybe 10 years out. But at some stage, obviously, as an Italian with this talent, he will get there.
"I would turn it around. They will get him. He could go tomorrow if he wants."
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Antonelli in 'right place at right time'
Steiner, who has expressed pride in Antonelli's achieve, has also suggested his ascension this year could mark the beginning of a dominant period for the youngster, pointing to the timing of his arrival alongside F1's new technical rules.
Asked if this could be the start of an era for the Italian, Steiner said: "Yes. He's there the first year of these new regulations.
"In motorsport, especially F1, you need to be at the right place at the right time, and he's hit that - he's at the right place at the right time.
"But Mercedes, with these regulations, are very strong. They are not dominating, which is good for everybody.
"It means he cannot be told 'Just win, because you have got the best machine'.
"No, he wins because he's got a good machine and he's the best at the moment, but I'm pretty sure he will win a few more world championships."
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