Ferrari’s failure to secure Kimi Antonelli before he joined Mercedes was influenced by an objection from long-time sponsor Philip Morris, according to veteran Formula 1 journalist Roger Benoit. The Italian youngster wanted to pursue the Ferrari route first, but no offer arrived from Maranello and Mercedes ultimately signed him at the age of 12.
The circumstances surrounding Ferrari’s missed opportunity with Kimi Antonelli have attracted renewed attention as the Mercedes driver has developed into one of Formula 1’s leading talents. Different explanations have emerged over the years, including Ferrari’s ability at the time to accommodate a driver who was still exceptionally young.
Roger Benoit links Ferrari’s Kimi Antonelli decision to Philip Morris
Speaking on the Motorsport Magazin YouTube channel, Roger Benoit maintained that Antonelli’s preference had been to join Ferrari. According to the veteran journalist, the Scuderia had the young karter within its reach but ultimately decided against making him an offer.
Benoit attributed an important part of that decision to Philip Morris, whose brands include Marlboro and ZYN, the latter being associated with Ferrari in 2026. He claimed the company was reluctant to support a driver who, because of his age, would not be able to advertise its products until adulthood.
The relationship between Ferrari and Philip Morris dates back to the mid-1980s, and Benoit suggested that the sponsor therefore possessed considerable influence. In his account, Antonelli was 12 when Ferrari rejected him, after which the Italian moved into the Mercedes system.
Another explanation previously given from Ferrari’s side focused instead on the structure available to develop such a young prospect. Ferrari’s team principal at the time maintained that the organisation was not equipped to sign Antonelli at that stage, while rejecting earlier suggestions that his physical size had led Maranello to doubt whether he could eventually become a Formula 1 driver.
Ferrari’s academy was accustomed to signing older drivers
The Ferrari Driver Academy itself had been established at the end of 2009, but several of its best-known recruits joined at considerably older ages than Antonelli. Jules Bianchi and Sergio Perez were both 20, while Charles Leclerc was 18 when he entered the programme.
Antonelli’s situation was therefore notably different. Mercedes was prepared to commit to him at just 12 years old, securing a relationship that would eventually take the Italian all the way to Formula 1. The decision has subsequently become one of the most discussed examples of Ferrari passing on the young Italian before his Mercedes career.
Ferrari reportedly wants another chance with Kimi Antonelli
The situation has now changed dramatically. Ferrari’s ownership is reportedly determined to bring Antonelli to Maranello and make up for the earlier missed opportunity, although Benoit does not believe such a transfer is realistic in the immediate future.
The journalist expects Antonelli to remain away from Ferrari for at least the next three years. With the Mercedes driver closing in on the possibility of becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion, Benoit believes the German team will do everything possible to retain the talent it backed from such an early stage.
Speculation over a future move has nevertheless continued, with the prospect of Kimi Antonelli eventually joining Ferrari remaining an intriguing possibility. The Italian driver has previously described the Scuderia as an immense team and has not ruled out racing for Maranello at some stage of his career.
For now, however, Antonelli is not considering leaving Mercedes. The team that identified his potential when he was only 12 has provided him with a dominant Formula 1 car, leaving little immediate incentive to move elsewhere. His present commitment to Mercedes has consequently made a Ferrari switch unrealistic for the time being, even as interest from Maranello continues to surround his long-term future.
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