Guenther Steiner believes Kimi Antonelli would be an ideal fit for Ferrari, arguing that the Italian driver’s position at Mercedes makes it harder for him to receive the full level of support he might otherwise enjoy from Formula 1 fans in his home country. With Antonelli leading the 2026 championship by 66 points after winning at Monza, speculation over whether he could one day race in red continues to grow.
The possibility of a future Kimi Antonelli Ferrari move has been discussed for some time. The connection is not entirely hypothetical either, as Ferrari had an opportunity to sign Antonelli when he was 11 before Toto Wolff and Mercedes secured the youngster for their programme.
Guenther Steiner believes Kimi Antonelli should be at Ferrari
Antonelli is now flourishing with Mercedes, and his performances in 2026 have only increased interest in what his long-term Formula 1 future might eventually hold. After his Monza victory, the 20-year-old held a 66-point championship advantage, reinforcing his position as the dominant driver of the season to that point.
His success at the Italian Grand Prix was particularly striking because Ferrari endured a difficult afternoon at home. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, while Charles Leclerc crashed out, leaving the Tifosi with little to celebrate from the Scuderia itself. Antonelli’s triumph nevertheless generated strong support from the Italian crowd, with his charge to victory at Monza becoming one of the defining stories of the weekend.
Steiner believes the unusual dynamic surrounding Antonelli comes from the fact that the Italian is achieving his success with Mercedes, a team he views as Ferrari’s biggest opponent. In his assessment, that inevitably complicates the way many Italian fans respond to Antonelli, because their loyalty remains first and foremost with the Prancing Horse.
Mercedes success creates a dilemma for Italian Ferrari fans
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, the former Formula 1 team principal described Ferrari as effectively Italy’s national team, with widespread support extending well beyond normal sporting allegiance. Against that backdrop, Antonelli’s emergence gives fans a difficult choice: they can admire an outstanding Italian driver while still hoping Ferrari beats the team he represents.
Steiner compared the situation to an Italian footballer excelling for a rival club. Fans can appreciate the individual talent, he suggested, while remaining emotionally committed to their own team.
That tension has followed Antonelli throughout his rise. After winning in Monaco, Ferrari supporters encouraged him to join the Scuderia one day. Although his current Mercedes relationship naturally limits what he can say publicly about such a possibility, the idea of eventually racing for Ferrari has repeatedly surrounded his career.
Steiner praises Antonelli’s extraordinary 2026 performances
For Steiner, Antonelli’s results justify the attention. He described the young Italian’s performances as extraordinary and argued that the ideal scenario would be for a driver of his nationality and ability to represent Ferrari.
The former Haas team principal also suggested that Antonelli deserves greater recognition in Italy than he currently receives. His reasoning is that driving for Mercedes places him directly against the team most Italians traditionally support, even when his individual success gives them another reason to celebrate.
That contrast was especially visible during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli won at Monza while Ferrari struggled, creating the unusual sight of an Italian championship leader succeeding at the Scuderia’s home race in rival colours.
Ferrari decision at age 11 remains part of Antonelli story
The situation also invites attention on Ferrari’s earlier opportunity to sign Antonelli. The Italian team could have brought him into its orbit when he was only 11, but Mercedes ultimately secured him instead. With Wolff now overseeing a driver leading the championship, Ferrari may have reason to reflect on how differently that decision might have shaped the future.
Mercedes, for its part, has every incentive to retain a driver performing at this level. Wolff is expected to be keen to keep Antonelli, while the championship picture can be followed through the current Formula 1 driver standings.
Steiner nevertheless believes the symbolic attraction of Ferrari remains powerful. In his view, combining Italy’s leading young Formula 1 driver with the country’s most important team would represent the ideal outcome, even if Antonelli is currently thriving as one of Mercedes’ central figures.
For Ferrari supporters, that leaves an intriguing long-term question. Antonelli is already proving capable of winning at the highest level, but he is doing so against the team followed by much of his home country. As long as that continues, speculation over whether he could eventually join Ferrari is unlikely to disappear.
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