‘I Don’t Rule Anything Out’: Kimi Antonelli Opens Ferrari Door

Kimi Antonelli has left the door open to a future move to Ferrari but insists his immediate priority is achieving success with Mercedes.

The 20-year-old Italian, who is leading the 2026 Formula 1 championship, said he is happy with Mercedes and feels indebted to the team for backing him from a young age.

"Now I'm fine where I am," Antonelli told Automoto Italy when asked about a potential move to Ferrari.

"I am very happy to be at Mercedes, also because I feel I owe them a debt for all the opportunities they have given me. They were the ones who believed in me when I was only 12 years old.

"They have accompanied me on this path of growth, and I hope to reap many successes with them in the future. Then we'll see. I don't rule anything out, but today the goal is to win as much as possible with Mercedes."

Kimi Antonelli's Ferrari door remains open

Antonelli's comments come amid a remarkable second season in Formula 1. He currently holds an 81-point advantage over Mercedes team-mate George Russell and has eight victories to Russell's two.

If he secures the championship, Antonelli would become the youngest world champion in F1 history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's record by more than three years.

A move to Ferrari would also carry particular significance given Antonelli's Italian nationality. Michele Alboreto was the last Italian to race for Ferrari full-time, doing so in 1985.

For now, however, Antonelli's focus remains firmly on Mercedes, the team that supported his development from the junior ranks.

Monza victory strengthened Antonelli's connection with Ferrari fans

Antonelli's standing in Italy grew further at the Italian Grand Prix, where he produced a remarkable victory from 19th on the grid.

According to the source, he became the first driver to win from that far back since Bill Vukovich at the 1954 Indianapolis 500. He was also the first Italian to win his home grand prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.

The Monza podium proved particularly memorable for Antonelli, who described the atmosphere as overwhelming.

"The charge of the fans during the GP was incredible," he said.

"It gave me the push to try to do even better. The podium in Monza is the most beautiful of the year, and hearing everyone sing the anthem in unison and shout my name gave me goosebumps."