Former Ferrari Chairman Regrets Not Signing Rising F1 Star Kimi Antonelli
In a shocking revelation, former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo expressed deep regret over not securing F1 prodigy Kimi Antonelli for the prestigious Ferrari team. Known for his instrumental role in leading Ferrari to multiple drivers’ championship victories, di Montezemolo admitted his admiration for the talented youngster and hinted at missed opportunities for Ferrari.
Di Montezemolo, who assumed the role of Ferrari president in 1991, alongside Jean Todt, spearheaded Ferrari’s resurgence in the early 2000s with legendary driver Michael Schumacher. However, his recent comments on the remarkable skills of Kimi Antonelli have raised eyebrows in the F1 community.
Describing Antonelli as a “first-rate driver” who shows exceptional speed and composure even in his debut F1 season, di Montezemolo expressed disappointment in seeing the Italian talent signed by Mercedes instead of Ferrari. He remarked, “Antonelli is a first-rate driver, first of all because he’s in his first year of F1 and he doesn’t make mistakes, but he’s fast and I see him growing. And then he’s from Bologna, like myself.”
The former Ferrari chief’s sentiments have sparked debates among fans and experts alike on whether Antonelli should have been part of the Ferrari lineup. Di Montezemolo’s suggestion of placing Antonelli at Sauber to groom him for Ferrari’s elite squad reflects his belief in the young driver’s potential to follow in the footsteps of Ferrari greats like Felipe Massa and Charles Leclerc.
Moreover, di Montezemolo did not hold back in criticizing Ferrari’s current state, labeling the team as “lacking a leader” and characterized by a “team without a soul.” Ferrari’s lackluster performance at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix further exacerbated di Montezemolo’s concerns, as Antonelli outshone both Ferrari’s Leclerc and Mercedes’ Hamilton in the drivers’ standings.
As the F1 season unfolds with unexpected twists and intense rivalries, the spotlight remains on rising stars like Kimi Antonelli and the enduring legacy of Ferrari in the world of motorsport. Will Ferrari rue the missed opportunity to sign a future champion in Antonelli? Only time will tell in this high-octane world of Formula 1 racing.
