Stefano Domenicali pushes for Kimi Antonelli in Ferrari: “It would be nice, but Toto Wolff won’t agree”. F1 president Stefano Domenicali sees a bright future for Kimi Antonelli.

Kimi Antonelli, a strong start in F1
Everyone was waiting to see how he would perform, but Kimi Antonelli remained composed during his Formula 1 debut, scoring points in the first three race weekends (something that hadn’t happened for a rookie since Lewis Hamilton) and missing out on the top 10 only due to an unfortunate Bahrain GP.

Overall, the Bologna-born driver is proving he deserves the trust placed in him by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who entrusted him with the heavy legacy of none other than Lewis Hamilton. After a debut that would have scared any newcomer on the wet track in Melbourne, Kimi Antonelli scored solid points in China and passed the crucial Suzuka test with flying colors — a very important benchmark for young drivers.

Stefano Domenicali’s words
After many years, there is finally an Italian driver who can consistently aim for points and perhaps even a podium — something that hasn’t happened since the 2009 Japanese GP, when Jarno Trulli finished behind Sebastian Vettel. That same year also marked the last time an Italian driver raced for Ferrari (Giancarlo Fisichella in Abu Dhabi), and now some believe that Antonelli’s future could involve the Prancing Horse. One of them is F1 president Stefano Domenicali, who said: “He would be an Italian driver in an Italian car! What we need is a driver who, especially in today’s world, can serve as a role model for younger generations, so it would be truly beautiful. But I don’t think Toto Wolff would be too happy about that right now,” he told La politica nel pallone on Gr Parlamento before discussing Imola’s challenges to remain on the F1 calendar.

“We need to help him grow, he’s an extraordinary young man with values I really appreciate,” added the former Ferrari team boss – “Seeing him walk into the paddock holding hands with his family and little sister gives us a romantic image of the sport, and then when he puts the visor down, he’s fast. Before comparing him to any champion, I think it’s right to wait, but what’s certain is that he will become a key figure in our world.” – the current F1 president concluded.