Antonelli shuts down Ferrari talk after Bandini Trophy win

Kimi Antonelli added the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy to his growing collection over the weekend, but quickly shut down speculation linking him with a future move to Ferrari. The 19-year-old championship leader made it clear his focus remains on delivering results for Mercedes — the team that backed him from the start.

Why it matters:

The Bandini Trophy honors individuals who have made a significant impact in motorsport, and Antonelli's name now sits alongside legends like Schumacher, Hamilton, and Verstappen. Winning the award at such a young age underscores his rapid rise, but the persistent Ferrari rumors highlight the intense interest in Italy's newest F1 star. His firm stance reinforces Mercedes' confidence in their young driver as they fight for the title.

The details:

• Antonelli received the 33rd Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini in Brisighella, Italy, joining past winners including Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and three Australians — Mark Webber, Daniel Ricciardo, and last year's recipient Oscar Piastri.
• The award is named after Italian racer Lorenzo Bandini, who died after a crash at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix. It has been presented annually since 1992.
• Antonelli's remarkable start to 2026 — with wins in China, Japan, Miami, and Canada — made him F1's youngest-ever championship leader. He holds 131 points, a 43-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell.
• When pressed about Ferrari during the ceremony, Antonelli said: “Ferrari is a huge team... but I am a Mercedes driver, and my goal is to win with Mercedes. They gave me a great opportunity from a young age... Then, we’ll see.”
• The Italian dedicated the trophy to his family and team, calling the experience unforgettable.

What's next:

Antonelli's focus now shifts to the Monaco Grand Prix, where the streets of Monte Carlo will test his ability to extend his championship lead. A strong performance there would further silence any doubts about his commitment to Mercedes — at least for now.