Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team boss and current Tech3 MotoGP chief, believes reigning F1 world champion Kimi Antonelli is likely to race for Ferrari—but not any time soon.
Antonelli: Italy’s Youngest F1 Champion Stirring Ferrari Hopes
At just 20 years old, Antonelli clinched the record as F1’s youngest-ever world champion with his Mexico City triumph. For Italian fans and media, talk quickly turned to Ferrari, hoping for the first Italian world champion in red since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli, under contract and grateful to Mercedes, has frequently addressed the Ferrari speculation:
“As much as Ferrari is a massive, incredible brand, I’m very happy where I am… Mercedes gave me the opportunity since I was a kid, and I feel like I have so much to give back to them.”
Steiner: A Ferrari Future Is Inevitable—But Not Soon
In comments to RacingNews365, Steiner said:
“That’s the only not-so-perfect thing for Italy; an Italian champion not driving for Ferrari. But I think at some stage… he’s 20 years old… in my opinion, he will drive for Ferrari. Will it be short term? No. Maybe 10 years out. But at some stage… as an Italian with this talent, he will get there.”
Steiner believes Ferrari will eventually secure Antonelli’s services. “They will get him. He could go tomorrow if he wants.”
Antonelli’s Achievements Already Legendary
Antonelli is the first Italian F1 champion since Ascari and the first ever to win the crown for a non-Italian team, having delivered for Mercedes.
For now, the partnership with Mercedes looks set to continue, but the prospect of Italy’s next superstar one day racing in Ferrari red remains a tantalizing dream for fans and paddock insiders alike.
