Carlo Vanzini vents about Jannik Sinner and Kimi Antonelli: “I’ve been on the receiving end of a flood of insults”
Sky commentator Carlo Vanzini spoke to *La Gazzetta dello Sport* about his emotions after covering Andrea “Kimi” Antonelli’s Formula 1 triumph on TV: “It was an extraordinary season, but the decisive race is always special. Many people asked me what I would say during the final lap. I usually never prepare a written script, but this time I felt the pressure of the moment. So I spoke with Marco Antonelli, Kimi’s father, who shared some anecdotes about their journey. The challenge was to help viewers understand that they were witnessing a unique moment. If my grandchildren ask me who Antonelli is, this year’s Mexican Grand Prix will come to mind.”
Vanzini always believed in the young driver from Bologna, while others were skeptical: “In August 2024, I wrote an article for Sky in which I said there was a new Jannik Sinner behind the wheel. He hadn’t even driven a Mercedes for the first time yet, so I received a flood of insults on social media. I, however, felt he could become world champion, even though he was struggling in Formula 2.”
“This was definitely one of the most exciting World Championships I’ve ever covered. I never thought I’d see an Italian driver win the title. As for past successes, however, the first ones that come to mind are Michael Schumacher’s in 2000 and Kimi… Raikkonen’s in 2007.”
Meanwhile, Vanzini has overcome a terrible illness: “I’ve experienced so many emotions. Before Austin, I thanked my family for the strength they gave me.”
More on Antonelli and the future: “He’s surprised me this year. I thought we’d see him battling on equal footing against George Russell, but not clinching the title so early. I consider him the best interpreter of these rules, though Red Bull and Ferrari are closing in on Mercedes. My hope is always to see closely contested championships. Those are the ones that provide the most excitement.”
Ferrari’s struggles, now without a title for twenty years: “I’m convinced they could have secured a one-two finish in Mexico. They were lucky that Kimi’s World Championship win diverted attention from what happened. I think both drivers share some of the blame, but that happens when there isn’t a clear pecking order. Charles Leclerc forced the pass, while Lewis Hamilton misjudged his braking point. The Brit is used to being the lead driver, so getting along with the Monegasque is complicated.”
