Could we see Kimi Antonelli behind the wheel of a Ferrari someday? Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has certainly sparked the conversation.
Speaking on Italian radio, Domenicali didn’t hold back his admiration for the 18-year-old Italian, calling him an “extraordinary young man” and praising both his values and racing talent. While he acknowledged that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff might not be too thrilled with the idea, Domenicali admitted, “An Italian driver in an Italian car… it would be really beautiful.”
Kimi Antonelli has been turning heads in his rookie season. After stepping into Lewis Hamilton’s old seat at Mercedes, the teenager has already picked up 30 points in just four races. That places him sixth in the standings—just ahead of Hamilton himself—and makes him one of the best-performing rookies the sport has seen in years.
Domenicali added a personal touch to his praise: “Seeing him enter the paddock with his family and little sister hand in hand gives us a romantic dimension of the sport. Then he lowers the visor and just flies.” Still, he was careful not to pile too much pressure on Antonelli too soon, saying it’s wise to wait before comparing him to any legends. “But one thing is for sure—he’s going to be a major player in this sport.”
As for Ferrari, they’re not exactly hunting for new drivers at the moment. With Lewis Hamilton now in red and earning £40 million a year, they’re locked in. Though Hamilton hasn’t had a dream start, his move from Mercedes still stands as a big statement—and one that shows how powerful the Ferrari brand still is.
“A champion like him knows what it means to wear red,” Domenicali said, reflecting on Hamilton’s desire to chase that elusive eighth world title with the Scuderia.
Alongside him, Charles Leclerc is holding his own. Domenicali called the Monegasque “an extraordinary driver” who’s continuing to show he belongs among the sport’s elite.
So what’s next for Antonelli? While a Ferrari switch isn’t happening tomorrow, the thought of a young Italian prodigy in the most iconic red suit in motorsport is hard to ignore. And if he keeps up this form, he might just leave Wolff with no choice but to brace for the bidding war.
