Mario Andretti has delivered glowing praise for Andrea Kimi Antonelli following the young Mercedes driver’s dominant victory at the 2026 United States Grand Prix. The 1978 Formula 1 world champion met the 20-year-old Italian in the Austin paddock on Sunday morning, shortly before a race in which Andrea Kimi Antonelli went on to demonstrate his exceptional talent once again.
The meeting between the two Italian motorsport figures was described in the latest edition of Autosprint, which recounted their encounter before the start of the Grand Prix. It brought together a legendary driver who conquered both sides of the Atlantic and a rising star who is rapidly establishing himself among Formula 1’s leading competitors.
Mario Andretti praises Andrea Kimi Antonelli after Austin F1 victory
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is on course to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history, potentially breaking the record established by Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his first title in 2010 at the age of 23. The young Mercedes driver’s performances have been attracting widespread admiration, and Mario Andretti is among those impressed by his achievements.
The American racing legend was particularly enthusiastic about the Italian youngster, not only praising his driving but also speaking warmly about his family after meeting Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s father, Marco Antonelli.
“This kid is phenomenal,” Mario Andretti said. “I also met his father Marco and found him to be a capable and, at the same time, down-to-earth person. You can immediately tell when you meet good people, and the Antonellis are exactly that. I like them very much. And after a race like Sunday’s, they are enjoying themselves, and they deserve it. Kimi was precise, ruthless, perfect from the first lap to the last.”
Mario Andretti believes Italy has found a great champion
The praise carried particular significance given Mario Andretti’s own achievements in motorsport and his Italian roots. His admiration extended beyond Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s driving ability to the excitement surrounding the emergence of a new Italian Formula 1 star.
“Italy has found a great champion,” Mario Andretti added. “A young man who is making all of us very happy.”
The encounter came during a particularly important weekend for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose crucial Austin victory strengthened his Formula 1 championship ambitions. His performance also underlined why the Mercedes youngster is being discussed as a potential record-breaking world champion.
More news about Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli reveals Peter Bonnington’s role in his Austin victory
- George Russell reflects on 50 difficult laps as Andrea Kimi Antonelli dominates Austin
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s ninth F1 victory boosts Italian television audiences
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