Kimi Antonelli better than Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jannik Sinner

In Italy, “Kimi-mania” has exploded. Andrea Kimi Antonelli has won over the public not only because of his extraordinary results on the track, but also because of the simplicity and kindness that have distinguished him since the beginning of his career. In Monte Carlo he scored his fifth consecutive victory, further consolidating his championship lead. After six races, his lead over his pursuers is impressive: Lewis Hamilton accuses a 66-point gap, while George Russell pays 68 points. Such a wide margin between the world leader and his rivals had never been recorded at this stage of the season.

More generally, Formula 1 is experiencing a particularly positive season in Italy, driven precisely by the Antonelli effect. Even on social media, the phenomenon is evident: the number of his followers on Instagram has increased from 4.5 million in January to the current 6.9 million. Today he is the most-followed driver of his generation and can boast a popularity higher than that of numerous Italian champions, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Pecco Bagnaia, and Sinner himself.

If in the past Italian fans were focused almost exclusively on Ferrari (to the point that drivers such as Riccardo Patrese went so far as to be challenged by the public), Antonelli has managed to create a special bond with fans, regardless of the colors of the team he races for. Success, however, does not seem to have changed the talent born in 2006. In the rare moments away from the circuits, he continues to spend time with his family and lifelong friends. It is not uncommon to see him alongside his father Marco in the races of the family kart team, where he is helpful and attentive to young drivers who consider him not only a champion, but also a role model.