Antonelli received an ovation at San Siro during Italy’s Nations League match against France

News Summary

Andrea Kimi Antonelli received an emotional ovation from supporters at San Siro on Thursday evening as the newly crowned Formula 1 world champion attended Italy’s Nations League match against France. The Mercedes driver was in the stands when the stadium announcer called his name, prompting applause from the crowd in Milan.

The moment, captured on video, marked a special homecoming for the 20-year-old Italian, who secured his first Formula 1 world championship at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1.

Antonelli had already celebrated with Mercedes personnel at the team’s factories in Brackley and Brixworth, but the reception at San Siro gave him an opportunity to share his achievement with Italian sporting fans.

Antonelli attends San Siro for first time after F1 triumph

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia before the match, Antonelli revealed that he had never previously attended a game at San Siro.

“Let’s hope Italy wins. It’s also my first time at San Siro. It will be a wonderful experience,” he said, in comments translated from Italian.

The Mercedes driver attended the match alongside Giovanni Malagò, whom he thanked for the invitation.

Antonelli also discussed his recent celebrations after winning the championship, including his decision to dye his hair in the green, white and red colours of the Italian flag.

“I did it yesterday. I had to remove it, but it’ll probably return,” he said.

The tricolour hairstyle had attracted attention during Mercedes’ championship celebrations earlier in the week, when Antonelli visited the team’s British headquarters.

Italy’s national team coach Roberto Mancini also praised the young champion before the match, comparing his sporting achievement with those of Italian legends Marco Pantani, Alberto Tomba and Valentino Rossi.

Indeed, Italy has won by 3-1.

Which football team does Antonelli support?

Although he received his ovation at the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan, Antonelli is a lifelong supporter of Bologna FC, the club representing his hometown.

His passion for Bologna goes back to childhood, when his father Marco took him to matches at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Antonelli has regularly followed the team whenever his racing commitments allow. In February 2025, he attended Bologna’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Como and celebrated with supporters.

His most memorable football celebration came in May 2025, when Bologna defeated Milan to win the Coppa Italia for the first time in 51 years.

Unable to attend the final in Rome because of preparations for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Antonelli watched the match with friends before joining supporters celebrating in the streets of Bologna.

The club subsequently visited him during the Imola race weekend, with players and staff exchanging shirts with the Mercedes driver.

Following his Formula 1 championship victory, Bologna also invited Antonelli to celebrate the achievement with his hometown team.

Antonelli has spoken about his childhood interest in football and once dreamed of becoming a striker before concentrating on motorsport.

Italian celebrations continue before Las Vegas GP

Antonelli’s appearance at San Siro comes during a busy period of celebrations following his championship victory.

The Mercedes driver became the first Italian to win the Formula 1 drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari in 1953, ending a 73-year wait.

Mercedes subsequently secured the constructors’ championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix, completing a successful season for the German manufacturer.

Antonelli’s title has also generated widespread attention beyond motorsport in Italy, where his achievement has been celebrated by sporting figures and supporters.

The Italian has three Grands Prix remaining in 2026, beginning with Las Vegas on November 19–21.

He enters the final rounds with 390 points, having secured the championship before the end of the season.

GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the 2026 Formula 1 championship and preparations for 2027.