Kimi Antonelli shuts down Ferrari speculation, reaffirms Mercedes loyalty after Lorenzo Bandini Trophy honor

Kimi Antonelli has firmly dismissed speculation about a future move to Ferrari, reaffirming his loyalty to Mercedes after accepting the prestigious Lorenzo Bandini Trophy in Italy. The 19-year-old championship leader, fresh from four Grand Prix wins in 2026, made his stance clear: his goal is to win with the team that backed him from the start.

Why it matters:

Antonelli’s statement quells growing rumors about a potential Italian dream team at Ferrari, highlighting the strong bond between Mercedes and their rising star. With a 43-point lead over teammate George Russell and four wins, Antonelli is proving the decision to promote him was justified.

The details:

• Antonelli accepted the 33rd Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini in Brisighella, awarded for outstanding motorsport achievement.
  • Past winners include Schumacher, Hamilton, Verstappen, Button, and Coulthard.
• When asked about Ferrari, Antonelli said: “Ferrari is a huge team… but I am a Mercedes driver. They gave me a great opportunity from a young age, and I feel a duty to give my best for this team. Then, we'll see.”
• Championship form: After his maiden win in China, he won in Japan, Miami, and Canada, leading the standings with 131 points to Russell's 88.

What's next:

Antonelli heads to the Monaco Grand Prix (5-7 June) as the driver to beat, with Mercedes aiming to extend their title lead. The young Italian's focus remains firmly on delivering results for Brackley, not on future speculation.