‘I am with Kimi now’ – Motorcycling legend Rossi on Antonelli’s 'very special' impact

Valentino Rossi, the nine-time motorcycle World Champion, has praised 19-year-old Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, describing his impact as 'very special' for Italy. Antonelli leads the 2026 F1 drivers' standings by 50 points over Lewis Hamilton and 59 points over teammate George Russell at the season's halfway point, having completed 11 Grands Prix. The Italian youngster achieved a five-race winning streak earlier in the season during just his second F1 campaign.