Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has made it clear that securing his maiden title is merely the beginning, warning his rivals that his competitive hunger remains entirely unabated as he looks ahead to the 2027 season, Il Resto del Carlino reported.
The 20-year-old Bologna native returned to his residence in San Marino on November 12, 2026, where he received the prestigious honor of Commendatore dell’Ordine Equestre di Sant’Agata from the republic’s Heads of State, Captains Regent William Casali and Gerardo Giovagnoli, at the Public Palace, according to Il Resto del Carlino.
Honors in San Marino
Speaking to journalists during a 20-minute press conference following the ceremony, Antonelli reflected on his rapid ascent from an unknown quantity to a Formula 1 world champion.
“Nonostante la vittoria del campionato, ho ancora più fame di prima,” said Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Formula 1 world champion. He added that “Nonostante la vittoria del campionato, ho ancora più fame di prima – dice Kimi, che giovedì sera sarà ospite in tribuna d’onore di Giovanni Malagò (Figc) a San Siro durante la partita Italia-Francia di Nations League –.”
The milestone caps a campaign defined by his pole position and maiden victory in China, which provided the confidence needed to unlock his potential, Corriere della Sera reported. The driver admitted that transitioning from a rookie facing intense scrutiny to a title winner brought immediate changes to his daily privacy, though he has remained grounded.
Preparation for 2027
With the 2026 season winding down, Antonelli confirmed he would treat the remaining grands prix as vital preparation for the challenges ahead, noting that the introduction of completely new technical regulations in 2027 will effectively reset the competitive order to zero, Il Resto del Carlino reported.
“Se devo scegliere un pilota che darà più problemi sarà Verstappen,” said Antonelli, pointing to the four-time world champion as his primary threat next year. He also anticipated a fiercely contested championship featuring top teams from Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Behind the scenes, the newly crowned champion debuted a striking new look at Mercedes headquarters in Brackley, England, sporting a multicolored national pride hair design to celebrate the title with his engineering crew, Vanity Fair Italia reported.
Missed Imola Finale
While the calendar will conclude overseas in Qatar and Abu Dhabi after the FIA confirmed the schedule following lengthy discussions, Antonelli expressed regret that a rumored replacement round at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari ultimately fell through, Il Resto del Carlino reported.
“Sarebbe stato bello chiudere il mondiale lì, mi piacerebbe che diventasse una tappa fissa del mondiale,” said Antonelli, describing the Imola venue as a technical, old-school circuit close to his home and San Marino.
Friendships with Sinner and Tomba
Away from the paddock, Antonelli maintains close ties with other prominent Italian sports stars, including five-time Grand Slam tennis champion Jannik Sinner, who recently expressed his affinity for motorsport simulators while recovering from an injury, Corriere della Sera reported.
“Abbiamo questa giornata in kart da organizzare insieme ma se vuole farla col GT3 molto volentieri,” said Antonelli regarding an upcoming track day with Sinner. The driver also shared warm connections with skiing legend Alberto Tomba and MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi, whom he considers a close friend.
Dalla Formula 1 alla MotoGp, con l’augurio per Marco Bezzecchi: “Ha fatto una stagione incredibile, contro Marquez non è facile ma sono convinto che quest’anno gli abbia insegnato moltissimo.”
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