A packed town square, thousands of passionate fans lining the roads of Emilia-Romagna and an overwhelming show of support at every stop throughout the day. Andrea Kimi Antonelli received the 33rd Bandini Trophy in Brisighella, adding his name to the roll of honour of one of Italian motorsport’s most prestigious awards, dedicated to the memory of Lorenzo Bandini.
The Formula 1 championship leader was welcomed with extraordinary enthusiasm throughout the region. After departing from Imola and making a stop in Faenza, Antonelli arrived in Brisighella, where thousands of supporters had gathered to catch a glimpse of the young driver from Bologna who is already rewriting records for precocity in Formula 1. The atmosphere reflected the growing popularity of one of Italy’s brightest motorsport talents.
Speaking on stage in Piazza Marconi following the award ceremony, Antonelli did not hide his emotions as he addressed the crowd that had turned out to celebrate his achievement: “I would like to dedicate this trophy to my family, my incredible team and all the fans who are accompanying me on this journey,” he said.
The event was opened by Bandini Trophy president Francesco Asirelli, who highlighted the remarkable turnout from the public and the special atmosphere surrounding this year’s edition of the award.
“I think this square truly represents the celebration of the thirty-third edition. It is something truly extraordinary,” Asirelli said.
“Antonelli is one of us”
While presenting the award to the Mercedes driver, Asirelli drew a parallel with Lorenzo Bandini, the Ferrari driver whose memory the trophy honours. The comparison was intended not only to celebrate Antonelli’s achievements but also to underline his strong connection to the Emilia-Romagna region.
“This is a way of celebrating Lorenzo Bandini, who was certainly one of the most generous figures in motorsport. If I had to make a comparison, I would use the words Enzo Ferrari used when he spoke about Lorenzo Bandini and said: ‘He was one of us.’ I believe that today Kimi is truly one of us because he is genuinely a son of Emilia-Romagna,” he said.
Asirelli also acknowledged the significance of Antonelli’s rise and the inspiration he provides to younger generations.
“I could say many things about Lorenzo Bandini, but I think today it is better to let our guest speak. My words are insignificant compared to a young man who is representing so many positive values and who is an inspiration to so many young people,” he added.
From Faenza to Brisighella: a day in the spotlight
Antonelli’s celebrations had begun earlier in the day in Faenza, where he arrived in Piazza del Popolo aboard a Mercedes AMG GT3 customised with the name “Kimi” displayed on the bonnet. Welcomed by Mayor Massimo Isola and Deputy Mayor Andrea Fabbri, he was presented with a traditional Faenza ceramic plate in recognition of his achievements.
Among those present at the ceremony were Gian Carlo Minardi and ACI president Geronimo La Russa, both of whom joined local officials and motorsport figures in celebrating Antonelli’s success. The occasion quickly turned into a festival of Formula 1, with supporters gathering wherever the young Italian appeared.
Throughout the day, Antonelli was surrounded by fans eager for selfies, autographs and photographs. Similar scenes unfolded along the route to Brisighella and throughout the historic centre of the town, which was packed with supporters hoping to share in the moment.
“I am very happy and honoured to receive this trophy. For me, it is a truly special day. The event is incredible and there are so many people here. I will remember this day forever,” Antonelli said.
The Mercedes driver also reflected on his current position at the top of the Formula 1 standings, while remaining cautious about the challenges that still lie ahead during the remainder of the season: “It is a great moment, but the season is still very long. We will see where we are at the end of the year.”
Antonelli was quick to credit the collective effort behind his success and praised the work being carried out by the team: “We are doing an incredible job together with the team.”
The Italian also took the opportunity to comment on the future of the Imola Grand Prix, a race that remains particularly close to his heart given its proximity to his hometown: “I sincerely hope that Formula 1 will race at Imola again in the future. It is my home circuit and I have a very strong connection to it.”
A tribute to Marco Antonelli, a family moment and a tribute to Zanardi
One of the most appreciated moments of the event was the presentation of the Mediolanum Medal to Marco Antonelli, Kimi’s father and the founder of Antonelli Motorsport. Visibly moved while accepting the award, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“I am deeply moved,” Marco Antonelli said.
The honour led to a light-hearted exchange between father and son that quickly won over the crowd. Kimi reflected on the role his father has played throughout his career and the continued guidance he receives today.
“I’m happy because he deserves it. He raised me, taught me so many things, and he still gives me advice and tells me off when I make mistakes,” Kimi joked.
“Especially the starts,” Marco Antonelli replied with a smile, prompting laughter from the audience.
The Mercedes driver then took another opportunity to thank his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey to Formula 1. In an emotional moment, he acknowledged the sacrifices made by his parents and invited his mother Veronica onto the stage to share the occasion with him.
“Everything that is happening to me, I owe to my parents,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a particularly emotional tribute from Francesco Asirelli, who chose to remember Alessandro Zanardi, another former recipient of the Bandini Trophy and one of Italy’s most beloved sporting figures. His words prompted a long and heartfelt round of applause from the crowd gathered in Brisighella.
“I want to remember another person who left us only a few days ago, and that is Alessandro Zanardi. Beyond the message he gave us, what did he teach us? He taught us to use what we have, not to focus on what we lose. That is the message Alessandro Zanardi gave us until the very end. Perhaps it is the most important message of this entire event.”
The square fell silent as those words resonated among the thousands in attendance, bringing to a close a day of celebration dedicated to the present and future of Italian motorsport. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the centre of it all, Imola, Faenza and Brisighella came together in a collective embrace, united by their passion for Formula 1 and by the rise of a young driver who continues to capture the imagination of Italian fans.
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