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Gazzetta Swipes at Ferrari as Antonelli Wins 2026 Title
123Helmets Editorial Team
La Gazzetta dello Sport took a swipe at Ferrari on its Monday front page after Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 world championship with Mercedes. The Italian daily’s commentary credited his talent, the car and the fact that he isn’t racing for Ferrari.
Key Takeaways
La Gazzetta dello Sport ran a front-page commentary criticising Ferrari after Antonelli’s title.
Antonelli joined Mercedes’ young driver programme at the age of 11.
His title is the eighth drivers’ championship for a Mercedes driver since 2014.
No driver has won the world championship in a Ferrari since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
What Gazzetta dello Sport said about Ferrari
La Gazzetta dello Sport used its Monday front page to deliver a pointed verdict on Ferrari after Andrea Kimi Antonelli became world champion. The commentary named three reasons for his success: his talent, the car, and the fact that he isn’t racing for Ferrari.
The paper also shared its front page on social media under the headline word “KIMITICO”. The swipe is notable because Gazzetta is one of Italy’s major sports dailies, and Antonelli is an Italian driver.
Antonelli’s path through Mercedes
Antonelli joined Mercedes’ young driver programme at the age of 11. He has stayed within the Mercedes system ever since and now drives for the team in his second F1 season.
His title is the eighth drivers’ championship success for a Mercedes driver since 2014. Before the title was settled, the standings after round 16 had him leading on 320 points, ahead of teammate George Russell on 236.
The Ferrari connection and the Arrivabene claim
Antonelli’s father Marco has previously claimed that Ferrari missed the opportunity to sign his son. He said that Maurizio Arrivabene, Ferrari team principal from 2014 to 2019, turned him down.
That history gives the Gazzetta line extra edge. Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in 2026, sat second in the constructors’ standings on 405 points after round 16, behind Mercedes on 556.
Ferrari’s long wait for a title
No driver has won the world championship in a Ferrari since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. Antonelli’s success therefore extends a drought that now stands at 19 seasons, counting through 2026 without a Ferrari champion.
Hamilton was third in the standings on 214 points after round 16, with Leclerc fourth on 191.
What comes next for the new champion
Antonelli has said he will stay with number 12 rather than switch to number one in 2027, according to a RaceFans headline linked to the story. The same coverage also points to Mercedes being fined after Russell skipped media duties following frustration with his power unit.
Fans who want to follow the champion further can browse the Kimi Antonelli collection.
“Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 world champion”
— La Gazzetta dello Sport
“Thanks to his talent, the car and the fact that he isn’t racing for Ferrari.”
— La Gazzetta dello Sport
Shop Kimi Antonelli Collection
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