Giancarlo Fisichella celebrated Kimi Antonelli’s rapid rise this season, exclaiming “finally!” as the 19‑year‑old ends a 20‑year gap since an Italian last won a Grand Prix. Antonelli has already claimed five victories – China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco – and matched each with a pole, becoming the first driver to win his first three races from pole position.
The Mercedes rookie’s dominance has kept him atop the Drivers’ Championship, though his lead has shrunk from a peak 61 points to a 25‑point margin over George Russell after reliability setbacks in Barcelona and Britain and a teammate‑led win in Austria. Fisichella stressed that Antonelli must treat each race individually, avoid excess pressure, and stay focused to keep his title bid alive.
If the youngster can sustain his pace, Fisichella believes he has a genuine chance to become the youngest World Champion, a feat Italy has not seen since Alberto Ascari’s 1953 title. The next few Grand Prix will test Antonelli’s composure as the championship battle intensifies.
