Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has described Kimi Antonelli as an “incredible asset” for the sport while backing Max Verstappen to remain on the grid despite the Dutchman’s misgivings about the current state of the sport.
Antonelli has emerged as one of the defining stories of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Mercedes teenager has claimed six Grand Prix victories and became the youngest driver in history to lead the Drivers’ Championship.
His performances have placed him firmly in the title fight, while his personality and accessibility have helped attract a new generation of supporters. Domenicali believes the Italian has delivered both on and off the track:
“He’s fresh, he is still very new and very open to any kind of things that are happening to him,” ventured the F1 Chief. “He has brought a lot of new fans connected to him, because the nature of his way of engaging is fantastic.”
Heading to the summer break, Antonelli tops the 2026 F1 standings by 50 points over Ferrari’s seven time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, and the only other realistic title rival, teammate George Russell in the other Merecdes, who is 59 points adrift.
Antonelli’s rise has additional significance in Italy
Antonelli’s speed has been matched by impressive consistency during his first genuine championship campaign. Domenicali argued that the Mercedes driver’s position could have been even stronger without two retirements caused by technical problems.
Domenicali explained: “On the sport side, he has proven to be very strong. Don’t forget that, without the two DNFs related to problems on the car, the championship for him would be an even a bigger gap. He’s proven to be very solid.”
Antonelli’s rise has also carried additional significance in Italy, where supporters have waited decades for a home driver capable of fighting regularly at the front of Formula 1. Domenicali said: “The last Italian driver that won something important was many, many, many years ago. Therefore, he’s added a new dimension.”
He also praised Antonelli’s relationship with his rivals, although he acknowledged that the atmosphere could change if the title battle intensifies: “The relationship today with the other drivers is fantastic. The relationship may be different, of course, if we start winning the championship, but that’s the nature of our sport.”
Max will stay with us, and I really hope so
Domenicali has known Antonelli for several years and believes the teenager can become one of Formula 1’s most important figures: “I can only be very happy with the way that he’s engaged with our sport. I’ve known him for many, many years, and he’s an incredible asset for the future and what we’re doing together.”
While Antonelli’s rise has transformed the championship, uncertainty continues to surround Verstappen’s long-term future. The Dutchman has endured a less straightforward 2026 campaign, prompting speculation over whether he could eventually step away from Formula 1 or pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Domenicali, however, remains confident that Verstappen’s commitment to the sport remains strong: “Max is an incredible driver. He loves Formula 1. I have an incredible relationship with him. My opinion is that Max will stay with us, and I really hope so.”
While Antonelli may represent Formula 1’s future, but Domenicali clearly believes there remains an important place in that future for Verstappen.