Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes the Italian fanbase has yet to fully embrace Kimi Antonelli, suggesting the nation’s intense devotion to Ferrari is overshadowing the 19-year-old’s remarkable success.
Appearing on The Red Flags Podcast following Antonelli’s sixth victory of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, Steiner discussed the current dynamics within the Italian motorsport community.
“I spoke with several Italian journalists in Spa about this because I get the same feeling—he doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves,” Steiner remarked.
Steiner compared the situation to the reception of Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner.
“In Italy, you now have two elite athletes,” Steiner noted. “You have Jannik Sinner in tennis, who is dominating, and then you have Kimi Antonelli. But Kimi doesn’t receive the same level of recognition as Sinner, which I find quite unusual.”
“It stems from Ferrari being viewed as the de facto national team. More people need to adapt to the reality that there is an Italian F1 driver who is truly world-class—a rarity, considering Italy hasn’t had one for a very long time.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Despite the slow start in domestic recognition, Steiner expressed optimism that Antonelli’s following in Italy will continue to expand.
“He deserves more, and I believe there is a growing awareness that this driver is truly special,” Steiner added.
“We need to pay more attention to him and perhaps look beyond just Ferrari.”
When asked if Italians must choose between the driver and the team, Steiner clarified: “Perhaps just don’t put all your eggs in one basket with Ferrari. There is someone else out there worth cheering for. He deserves more recognition than he is currently receiving in Italy.”
Antonelli has been the standout performer of the 2026 season. While his Mercedes teammate George Russell was the early favorite, the Italian driver seized the championship lead following consecutive wins in China and Japan.
He has since secured victories in Miami, Canada, Monaco, and Belgium. Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ championship with 204 points, holding a 45-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton in second place.
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