Sky Sport F1 presenter and racing driver Vicky Piria believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli can win the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, comparing the Mercedes driver’s growing influence on Italian motorsport to Jannik Sinner’s impact on tennis. However, she warned that Mercedes cannot take its advantage for granted, with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all capable of challenging during the remainder of the season.
One role places Vicky Piria behind the wheel of a racing car, while the other puts her in front of a television camera. Although the two jobs are very different, they are united by her passion for motorsport and speed. It is perhaps the best description of a woman who fulfilled her ambition of making the motor racing world her life, both as a driver and as a member of the Sky Sport F1 team.
Her broadcasting career allows her to bring Formula 1 into the homes of Italian viewers, combining the technical knowledge acquired through years of racing with her energetic and versatile personality. Between races, Vicky Piria also found time for an exclusive interview in which she discussed the latest developments and offered her assessment of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Vicky Piria backs Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 F1 title
Any discussion of the current championship inevitably turns to Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young driver from Bologna has been delivering outstanding performances for Mercedes, overcoming his rivals and achieving impressive results alongside George Russell.
Now in only his second Formula 1 season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship and appears set for an absorbing title fight. Vicky Piria has known the Italian driver for years and expressed both her happiness at his success and her confidence in what he can achieve.
“I think he can be world champion this year. Absolutely,” Vicky Piria said. “The year is long, with many difficulties. I would not take Mercedes’ superiority for granted; there are many unknowns. I see McLaren being quick at some Grands Prix, but inconsistent, like Red Bull.”
“Ferrari could be a serious challenger, as we have seen. Nothing is guaranteed, but if we are talking about talent, Kimi has everything required to become world champion. I am certain of that.”
Her confidence in Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s ability is balanced by caution over the championship itself. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also stopped short of naming Kimi Antonelli the title favourite, despite the Italian’s advantage at the top of the standings.
Kimi Antonelli’s Italian impact compared to Jannik Sinner
Vicky Piria also discussed the positive moment currently being enjoyed by Italian motorsport. Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s performances have provided an important boost, even if he must still navigate numerous uncertainties and challenges during the second half of the season.
“Kimi will have to manage everything, of course,” Vicky Piria continued. “We are talking about motorsport and there are often many situations beyond the driver’s control—just think about reliability. We will have to see, but I am confident.”
“Can I add one thing? Antonelli is also benefiting Italian motorsport, providing a driving force just as Sinner is doing in tennis. For now, Ferrari is missing and he is there: let us hope they are all there very soon.”
The comparison underlines how the Kimi Antonelli effect is strengthening Italian motorsport. While Ferrari remains central to the country’s Formula 1 passion, Italy now also has a home driver leading the World Championship and inspiring a new wave of interest in the sport.
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