Luca di Montezemolo slams Maranello’s past leadership: “I’m very angry Antonelli isn’t at Ferrari”. Montezemolo regrets Kimi Antonelli never joined Ferrari.

After a historic victory, Montezemolo reflects on Antonelli

After Kimi Antonelli’s incredible win in China, former Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo spoke about the Italian driver’s missed chance to join Ferrari a few years ago. During the China Grand Prix weekend, another important chapter of Formula 1 history was written. After 20 seasons, and at just 19 years old, an Italian driver returned to the top step of the podium, bringing the tricolor back to the pinnacle of motorsport.

However, there is a strong sense of regret that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not racing for an Italian team. In fact, he was rejected by Scuderia Ferrari a few years ago, only to later be brought into Mercedes by Toto Wolff. Montezemolo commented on this situation.

Kimi’s maturity: a driver loved by everyone

With this success in the pinnacle of four-wheel motorsport, Kimi Antonelli has reached the first major milestone of his career. His goal now is to continue progressing, improving race after race, aiming for the ultimate prize: to fight for, and eventually win, the World Championship.

As seen in China after his victory, Kimi Antonelli is universally admired. Congratulations poured in from his peers, first from George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who shared the podium with him, as well as from historic figures in F1. Yesterday evening, during a live appearance on Sky’s Champions studio, former Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo offered his praise: “I am very happy for him because he is a serious, mature young man with his feet on the ground. I like him a lot, and I hope he stays that way. I am truly moved to see an Italian driver, a talented young man like him. He has a great future ahead.”

The Ferrari NO

A few years ago, at the age of eleven, Kimi Antonelli visited Ferrari. He was called up as a karting prospect by Massimo Rivola, who at the time led the FDA. The rejection came from Maurizio Arrivabene, who felt the Italian was still too young. Just a few months later, however, Toto Wolff contacted him—and the rest is history.

“I am very angry that he isn’t at Ferrari,” Luca di Montezemolo continued, who by that time had already left the Scuderia. “It upset me a lot. I know that Massimo Rivola wanted to bring him to Maranello. He is from Bologna and was the team’s first choice.”

This missed opportunity highlights a period of administrative caution at Ferrari that may haunt the team for years to come. While Ferrari currently boasts a competitive lineup, seeing a homegrown talent—one who grew up just miles from the factory—conquering the world in a Mercedes uniform remains a tough pill to swallow for the Tifosi and former leaders like Montezemolo alike.

The debate over Ferrari’s youth program will likely intensify. For now, the Italian fans celebrate the man, even if they cannot celebrate the car. The 2026 season is proving that talent knows no borders, but for Luca di Montezemolo, the sight of Kimi in silver will always be a reminder of a missed Italian dream. With the “Stella Li effect” and the technical shifts of 2026, the grid is changing fast, and Ferrari’s loss has undeniably been Mercedes’ greatest gain.