Kimi Antonelli’s Historic Win Celebrated in Italy

In the Italian town where Kimi Antonelli grew up, celebrations commenced even before the Formula One World Champion returned home to join his friends, family, and neighbors. More than 500 people gathered at a theater in Casalecchio to watch Antonelli earn the title in Mexico, according to the town’s mayor speaking to Italian news agency ANSA. A fitting welcome is planned for Antonelli upon his return.

Antonelli, at 20, became the youngest world champion in Formula One history on Sunday and the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Representing Team Mercedes, Antonelli secured the title despite Max Verstappen winning the race. Antonelli’s third-place finish in Mexico City Grand Prix ensured his championship status for the season.

Pride swelled beyond Casalecchio, located near Bologna. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated Antonelli as a national treasure, while Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner and other sports figures congratulated him online. Although Italian Formula One racing is synonymous with Ferrari, Antonelli drives for Mercedes. He shared the podium with Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, whom he succeeded at Mercedes.

Bologna is preparing its tribute. Mayor Matteo Lepore announced Antonelli would receive the city’s Nettuno d’Oro civic honor, commending his talent and perseverance for achieving the championship after 73 years.

In Casalecchio, the connection to Antonelli is personal. Mayor Matteo Ruggeri spoke to ANSA, reminiscing about the Antonelli family’s auto garage and recalling a young Kimi on his way to school and enjoying card games with his grandfather. “Kimi is one of us,” Ruggeri stated.