Barrichello expects Antonelli to end up at Ferrari

Rubens Barrichello believes newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli will eventually race for Ferrari, saying the Italian would find it difficult to resist Maranello. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport after attending his home grand prix at Interlagos, the former Ferrari driver praised the 20-year-old as fast, talented and humble, and credited Mercedes for investing in him from a young age.

Barrichello said Antonelli's title was especially meaningful for Italy, which has waited decades for another drivers' championship. He added that every driver dreams of racing for Ferrari, and that Antonelli, as an Italian, may be even more drawn to the team.

Antonelli has recently said he cannot currently imagine leaving Mercedes, which supported him from the age of 11. Barrichello also welcomed the arrival of two Brazilian drivers on the grid, Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Camara.