News Summary
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli said he would not rule out joining Ferrari at some point in the future.
- The Italian explained that he feels indebted to Mercedes after the manufacturer supported him from the age of 12.
- Antonelli currently leads team-mate George Russell by 81 points after winning eight races during the 2026 season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has left open the possibility of driving for Ferrari later in his Formula 1 career, while making clear that he currently has no intention of leaving Mercedes.
The 20-year-old has been part of the Mercedes development programme since he was 12 and progressed through the junior categories with the manufacturer’s backing. Now competing for the Formula 1 title in only his second season, Antonelli said that loyalty remains central to his immediate plans.
“Now I’m fine where I am,” Antonelli told Automoto Italy when asked about a potential future move to Ferrari.
“I am very happy to be at Mercedes, also because I feel I owe them a debt for all the opportunities they have given me.
“They were the ones who believed in me when I was only 12 years old. They have accompanied me on this path of growth, and I hope to reap many successes with them in the future.
“Then we’ll see. I don’t rule anything out, but today the goal is to win as much as possible with Mercedes.”
Why Ferrari will always be part of the Antonelli conversation
Antonelli’s nationality inevitably makes Ferrari a recurring subject. An Italian leading Formula 1’s most famous team remains one of the sport’s most compelling combinations, but recent history shows how uncommon it has become.
Michele Alboreto was the last Italian to complete a full season for Ferrari, racing for the Scuderia between 1984 and 1988. Ivan Capelli subsequently started the 1992 campaign but was replaced before its conclusion, while Nicola Larini, Luca Badoer and Giancarlo Fisichella later made substitute appearances.
Antonelli’s answer stops well short of suggesting that negotiations or plans for a move exist. Rather than expressing a desire to join Ferrari, he acknowledged that circumstances can change across a long career while reaffirming his commitment to Mercedes.
That distinction is particularly important given his current position. Antonelli has won eight Grands Prix in 2026, compared with two for George Russell, and extended his championship advantage to 81 points after winning in Madrid.
Mercedes has nevertheless resisted declaring the championship settled. Toto Wolff recently described the W17 as a “fragile” car and refused to celebrate Antonelli’s title prematurely.
Antonelli reflects on historic Monza victory
The emotional pull of racing for Italy was apparent at the Italian GP, where Antonelli won after starting 19th.
It was the first home victory by an Italian driver since Ludovico Scarfiotti triumphed at Monza in 1966. The result also came from the second-lowest starting position ever converted into an F1 victory, behind John Watson’s win from 22nd at Long Beach in 1983.
“The charge of the fans during the GP was incredible,” Antonelli said.
“It gave me the push to try to do even better. The podium in Monza is the most beautiful of the year, and hearing everyone sing the anthem in unison and shout my name gave me goosebumps.”
Antonelli’s victory arrived despite an additional pit stop, with the lap-time analysis showing that he still possessed sufficient pace to win at Monza.
His performances have made the possibility of an Italian driving for Ferrari an obvious subject of discussion. For now, however, Antonelli’s focus is not on fulfilling that symbolism. It is on completing the title campaign with the manufacturer that has guided his career since childhood.
FAQ
When is the next F1 race?
The next Formula 1 race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with the weekend running from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26. Unlike a conventional F1 weekend, the race takes place on Saturday.
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan GP on Saturday?
The Azerbaijan GP takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday, September 27 is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire weekend has moved forward: FP1 and FP2 are on Thursday, while FP3 and qualifying take place on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan GP start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 15:00 local time in Baku and 12:00 UK time on Saturday, September 26. Qualifying begins at 16:00 local time and 13:00 UK on Friday.
Has Andrea Kimi Antonelli said he wants to join Ferrari?
No. Antonelli said he would not rule out any future possibility, but stressed that he is happy at Mercedes and wants to win with the team.
