Antonelli’s Father: Kimi Is in Brilliant Form, and Ferrari Fans Celebrated Him Too

“Nobody expected it.” With his voice hoarse from celebrating, Marco Antonelli described the surprise of watching his son Kimi win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The family had arrived expecting to score points and hold off the strongest challengers. Instead, a perfect car and a superb drive produced a result beyond their hopes.

Marco Antonelli said the priority now was to keep both feet on the ground. He stressed that results require continued work and that no one in motorsport can afford to rest on success. The 20-year-old Bologna driver is only in his second season, yet his progress has moved faster than even the most optimistic forecasts.

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Nobody expected it. We arrived in Monza thinking we would bring home some points and keep the strongest opponents at bay.

He also credited Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, as the first person to believe in Kimi’s ability. Wolff had outlined a three-year path: one year of experience, one year of results and one year to begin winning. “We burned through the stages a little,” Marco said, adding that Kimi would not be where he is without Wolff’s support.

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We burned through the stages a little, but thanks to Toto.

Ferrari fans celebrated Kimi’s comeback at Monza, even though he drives for Mercedes. Marco said the family was pleased that Italian supporters had embraced him alongside Ferrari. He suggested that some fans identify with the young driver, making the scene beneath the podium especially moving.

Talk of Kimi eventually taking a Ferrari seat has already begun, but his father avoided looking too far ahead. He said Mercedes currently has a strong car and Ferrari may have one in the future. Under Formula One’s current rules, he argued, a single car will not dominate every race, increasing the importance of the driver. Kimi is in exceptional form, but Marco warned that Russell, Lando Norris, Ferrari and Red Bull all represent threats. The title, he said, must be approached one race at a time.

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The teammate is your worst opponent.