Valentino Rossi predicted a bright future for Kimi Antonelli well before anyone else. Now, after the young driver’s first triumph, Rossi has spoken up, praising the Mercedes driver who has received countless tips from the Italian legend over the years.
Kimi Antonelli makes history in China
Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. Pole position and victory, all together, back-to-back. At just 19 years old. And twenty years after the last Italian success in the F1 circus. Toto Wolff had bet on him years ago when he was barely more than a child, and now the dividends are clear. Italy’s motorsport community also celebrates with Mercedes, with one of its greatest icons, Valentino Rossi, who has a strong bond with the young Emilian driver and has literally watched him grow.
At the moment of triumph, Rossi shared a few precise words emphasizing the historic nature of Antonelli’s achievement, recalling that the last Italian to achieve the hat trick—victory, pole position, and fastest lap in the same weekend—was Alberto Ascari in 1953, practically at the dawn of Formula 1.
Rossi’s praise and Ascari’s record
Rossi spoke about Antonelli in an interview with Mediaset, first expressing his joy, then recalling their journey: “I’m extremely happy to be living this moment. We started following Kimi when he was very small and racing karts. We spent time together on the Migliaro track, and it was amazing to see him make it all the way to Formula 1. And it’s great to see that this year he has a competitive car.”
He then turned to the practical side, discussing Antonelli’s Shanghai success, which also puts Italy back in the spotlight in Formula 1, noting a historic statistic: “Seeing him win for the first time was something special, also because I don’t know how many years it had been since an Italian driver won in F1. I read that pole position, fastest lap, and victory together by an Italian hadn’t happened since 1953, the last time being Ascari. This is great for F1 and for Italy.”
Antonelli’s Grand Slam in Shanghai
The so-called Grand Slam, formerly known as the Grand Chelem in F1, is a rare feat. It occurs when a driver wins the race after achieving pole position and the fastest lap. Kimi Antonelli accomplished this remarkable achievement. Such a feat is uncommon; consider that Michael Schumacher, the record-holder, achieved it 22 times, followed closely by Lewis Hamilton (19) and Max Verstappen (14).
The special bond between Antonelli and Rossi
Rossi and Antonelli share a genuine friendship that spans generations. Rossi was born in 1979, Antonelli in 2006—they could technically be father and son. They first met through simulator sessions online and then trained together in karts. Rossi also invited Antonelli to his famous Tavullia ranch. The nine-time world champion has often publicly praised Antonelli, predicting a championship future for him.
Last year, around this time, Valentino and Kimi were together on the karts at Migliaro track, near Ferrara. Photos surfaced on social media, followed by Antonelli’s words: “We had some good laughs. He told me to keep working hard and to have fun. But most importantly, to focus only on myself and not worry about anything else. Rossi was kind enough to give me his support.”
Just a few days after that meeting, Kimi Antonelli flew to Suzuka, where he led a couple of laps and became the youngest driver ever to lead a Formula 1 Grand Prix. During the summer, Kimi Antonelli spoke again about Rossi, revealing a series of valuable tips from the Doctor.
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