Valentino Rossi backs Kimi Antonelli Formula 1 title charge: He is truly special

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has publicly backed 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in his 2026 Formula 1 World Championship campaign, describing him as 'truly special.' Antonelli leads the standings after the first half of the season, having won six of the opening 11 Grands Prix and recorded three additional podium finishes. Rossi, a nine-time motorcycle world champion, told Sky Sports that Antonelli has the potential to become Formula 1's youngest ever World Drivers' Champion.