Valentino Rossi at Monza: There’s a specific reason

Valentino Rossi will also be among the special guests at the Italian Grand Prix weekend. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the nine-time MotoGP world champion will be in Monza to visit Kimi Antonelli, who this weekend has dedicated a commemorative tricolor helmet to him—inspired by the one “The Doctor” himself wore at Mugello in 2002. On the back is a design that speaks louder than a thousand words: Rossi carrying the young driver from Bologna on his shoulders, almost symbolizing a passing of energy and spirit.

Antonelli explained that this tribute stems from a genuine bond. “Vale is a great friend; it was wonderful to do this with him. He’s a legend and a role model,” said the World Championship leader, who is experiencing a weekend full of meaning even off the track. In this sense, Rossi’s visit adds an emotional touch to an already extraordinary season and boosts his spirits despite the penalty that will force him to start from the back of the grid.

Rossi’s presence in the paddock is never just a colorful detail. Rossi has always been closely tied to Formula 1, and not just as a fan: he has driven a Ferrari on several occasions, fueling years of speculation about a possible move to the Circuit at the peak of his motorcycle racing career. In 2019, he even shared a historic day with Lewis Hamilton, swapping vehicles: Rossi behind the wheel of the Mercedes, Hamilton on the Yamaha MotoGP bike.

Today, Valentino is enjoying a second career behind the wheel, competing in GT3 cars and achieving notable results that have confirmed his competitiveness even away from two wheels. His arrival at Monza, therefore, is much more than a courtesy visit: it marks the return of an icon of Italian speed to one of the venues that best represents the history of motorsport in our country.