Reconstructing what happened in 2017 through the words of those involved
An Italian talent at Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has brought Italy back to the top step of a Formula 1 podium after almost 20 years, thanks to a victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. It was a fully deserved success, one that confirms the immense talent that convinced Toto Wolff to choose him as the replacement for Lewis Hamilton — the record-holder for world titles (shared with Michael Schumacher), as well as for wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in Formula 1.
Italian fans now find themselves emotionally divided, torn between their timeless love for Ferrari and this exciting young national prospect, who is racing for the often unpopular rivals Mercedes.
In a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, Kimi Antonelli addressed this topic with notable maturity: “I don’t want to overshadow any legend, Ferrari will always be Ferrari, immense. I understand all the love for the Prancing Horse, but it’s nice that fans know I found a family at Mercedes, which chose me when I was a teenager and gave me the best conditions to grow.”
Why isn’t Antonelli racing for Ferrari?
Was there ever a real possibility for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to align his career path with Ferrari? The answer is yes — and it dates back nine years.
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo recalled the situation in an interview with Sky: “I am very angry that he is not at Ferrari. I have to be honest: I am very sorry, because I know that Massimo Rivola wanted to choose him.”
Not only did Ferrari consider him, but the Scuderia actually made contact before Mercedes did.
Antonelli himself explained to Sport Mediaset: “I had contact with Ferrari. I was very young, around 10 or 11 years old. But Mercedes wanted to take a chance. At the end of 2017, Toto contacted us and told us he wanted us in the Academy. I am very grateful to him.”
This version of events was confirmed by Giovanni Minardi, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We started working to bring him into an Academy as soon as possible. We spoke with both Ferrari and Mercedes — it was important to move carefully and choose who could offer the strongest guarantees. For Ferrari, Kimi was still too young, while Mercedes could provide better assurances in terms of long-term prospects.”
The decisive ‘no’ from Ferrari
If Massimo Rivola — who at the time was head of the Ferrari Driver Academy — was keen to sign Antonelli, who ultimately decided against it? The answer was revealed in 2025 by his father, Marco, in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino.
“He was invited to Ferrari as a promising karting talent, noticed by Massimo Rivola. Kimi was 11 years old, and he even tested the Maranello simulator, the one reserved for Academy drivers. Everything was ready. But Maurizio Arrivabene, who was leading the racing department at the time, said that my son was still too young. A few months later, Mercedes contacted us — and the rest is history…”
Looking back, that decision represents one of the most intriguing ‘what if’ moments for Ferrari in recent years. Missing out on a talent like Andrea Kimi Antonelli could prove significant in the long term, especially as the Italian driver continues to establish himself at the highest level of Formula 1.
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