Kimi Antonelli: An Unexpected Honor from the U.S.

Another major tribute to Kimi Antonelli, the undisputed star of the 2026 F1 World Championship, has come from the United States. The piece, published as an editorial, comes from The Athletic, the New York Times’ sports platform, which dedicated a lengthy feature to the 19-year-old Italian following his triumph at Spa-Francorchamps.

The praise directed at the young driver from Bologna is surprising: it is uncommon for the American press—which is usually more focused on domestic affairs or, at any rate, on figures closely tied to the U.S. itself—to choose to highlight a young European driver with an article so unequivocal in its assessments, all of which are positive.

This recognition, however, is no coincidence and comes after a weekend that could mark a turning point in the title race: dominance in free practice, pole position, and a victory that was never truly in doubt, despite Leclerc’s brief overtake during the Virtual Safety Car period. The result allowed Antonelli to double his lead over George Russell—from 25 to 50 points—and to consolidate a lead that has the Italian public dreaming big, as they haven’t seen a driver from Italy win the title since 1953.

What’s happening this season has also led to a huge emotional contrast between the two Mercedes drivers: Antonelli is on cloud nine, while Russell is reeling from yet another retirement, which came after contact with Hamilton and a battery issue that had already put him in trouble. A contrast that perfectly captures the season: the young Italian is growing, managing the race, and dominating, while the Briton is playing catch-up, struggling, and losing his way.

The difference compared to twelve months ago is enormous. It was right here at Spa, in 2025, that Antonelli was in the throes of his rookie crisis: disastrous qualifying sessions, tears in front of reporters, and doubts about Wolff’s decision to entrust him with the seat once held by Lewis Hamilton. Today, however, Kimi is the driving force behind Mercedes, the driver who has turned the internal hierarchy on its head and is making the most of the W17 with surprising maturity.

And it is precisely this leap in quality that makes the American’s rise so unexpected: The Athletic highlights how Antonelli has become a model of “serenity and stability”—qualities that not even Toto Wolff himself expected from a 19-year-old. No excesses after victories, no breakdowns after setbacks: it’s all about analysis, process, and improvement. A mindset that, according to the U.S. publication, makes him a credible candidate to become the youngest world champion in history.

This recognition comes from afar, is unexpected, and adds another piece to the narrative of a season that is exceeding all expectations. All that’s left for Italian fans to do now is cross their fingers.