Kimi Antonelli is making room on his trophy shelf: another award is on the way

Kimi Antonelli’s dream season continues to make its mark not only in Formula 1 but also in his hometown. Bologna is preparing to honor him with an official recognition, as announced by Mayor Matteo Lepore on the sidelines of a meeting with reporters at Palazzo D’Accursio. The mayor did not reveal any further details, but the desire to honor a talent who is taking the city’s name to the top of world motorsport is clear.

Discussions about the award have actually been ongoing for months, and as early as after his very first victories this spring, there was talk of awarding him the Nettuno d’Oro, the civic honor that the City of Bologna bestows upon those who bring distinction to the city’s name in Italy and around the world. Lepore explained that the City is in contact with Antonelli and Mercedes, and that work has been underway since June to agree on the timing and details of the award.

The city of Bologna has often paid great attention to its champions: the Bologna team that won the Scudetto in ’64 and the one that qualified for the Champions League in 2024 have received honors from the City, as have symbolic figures such as the late Alex Zanardi, skiing legend Alberto Tomba, and Vincenzo Italiano, the coach who led the Rossoblù to the Coppa Italia title in 2025.

Returning to Antonelli, the Bolognese driver leads the Formula 1 World Championship with an 81-point lead over George Russell, following his thrilling win at Monza and his victory at Madrid, which brought his total to 292 points—ahead of his teammate’s 211 and Lewis Hamilton’s 191. “I have to keep pushing race after race, trying to do my best, and then we’ll see what the result is at the end of the year without thinking about the standings,” Antonelli said following his victory in Madrid.