Kimi Antonelli avoided 'unbelievable' Ferrari pressure by joining Mercedes, says Chandhok

Karun Chandhok believes Marco Antonelli's best decision was steering his son Kimi toward Mercedes instead of Ferrari, removing 'unbelievable' pressure. The former F1 driver says Mercedes' nurturing helped Antonelli thrive, and the young Italian is now closing in on a historic title.

Why it matters:

As a Ferrari junior, Antonelli would have carried the weight of Italian expectation. Instead, he developed away from that spotlight — and now leads the championship by 66 points after winning the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes.

The Details:

• Antonelli became the first Italian since 1966 to win at Monza, charging from 19th on the grid.
• The Tifosi sang the national anthem and waved Ferrari flags, even though he had denied Ferrari a win for the third time this season.
• Chandhok on Sky Sports' F1 Show: "By not making him a Ferrari junior... and going down the Mercedes path is actually the best thing that Marco Antonelli's done for his son."
• "Could you imagine if he was there as a Ferrari Italian driver? The pressure would be unbelievable."
• Mercedes have done a "fantastic job" of nurturing Antonelli, he added.

What's next:

Antonelli leads teammate George Russell by 66 points as Italy chases its first world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Chandhok hopes a red future awaits — but only after Antonelli has achieved plenty in silver. "For the sake of the sport and Ferrari, I hope in 10-15 years' time, maybe he will become a Ferrari driver."