The battle for the Formula 1 title in 2026 has gained the support of one of the greatest names in motorcycle racing history. Valentino Rossi stated that he is rooting for Kimi Antonelli and that the Italian is experiencing a rare opportunity for his country’s motorsport.
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These statements were given to Sky Sports F1 and reinforce the expectations surrounding Antonelli’s season. According to Rossi, the Mercedes driver combines speed and talent to end a long drought for Italy in the top motorsport category.
The seven-time MotoGP champion stated that his preference is more linked to the drivers than the teams: “Surely all Italians are happy when Ferrari wins, but I am more a fan of the drivers… So, I’m with Kimi now,” said Rossi, who even tested Ferrari F1 cars in the 2000s.
Despite rooting for his compatriot, Rossi made a point of highlighting that he follows other grid protagonists: “I follow Lando Norris, I follow Lewis Hamilton, I follow the driver… You know, whether you race for McLaren or Ferrari, it doesn’t make much difference to me,” he said.
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Commenting on the moment Antonelli is experiencing, Rossi highlighted the importance that a possible title would have for Italy: “He is a great talent, has a lot of speed, and in Italy, we have never had an F1 driver who could win the championship in the last seventy years. That is very special,” he concluded.
If he confirms the championship win, Antonelli will become the first Italian champion in Formula 1 since Alberto Ascari, winner of the 1952 and 1953 seasons. Before him, only Giuseppe Farina won a title for Italy, in the category’s inaugural season in 1950.
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