Antonelli meets Italian President after F1 title

Newly crowned 2026 Formula 1 World Champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli has met Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale in Rome. The 20-year-old won the title in Mexico City and became the first Italian driver to secure the championship since 1953. He attended the meeting with his parents and sister, and had signed one of his helmets with a dedication to the President on the visor.

During the meeting, Antonelli described the physical demands of the sport, including losing around a couple of kilograms during a race and the heat of the fireproof suit. Mattarella said Formula 1 now interested him more, adding that the new situation of Antonelli's competitiveness encouraged him to watch. Antonelli invited him to a race next year, possibly at Monza.

Antonelli has three more race weekends remaining this season and still has chances to reach the top step of the podium again.