Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero have congratulated Kimi Antonelli after the Italian became the youngest Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion in history.
Antonelli, 20, secured the 2026 title with a podium finish at Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix. His achievement also ended a 73-year wait for an Italian Formula 1 world champion, with Alberto Ascari the last driver from the country to win the championship in 1953.
Messages from some of Italy’s best-known sporting figures were shared through Formula 1’s official channels, with Baggio and Del Piero among the football legends paying tribute to Antonelli.
Del Piero said: “Congratulations, F1 champion of the world! Phenomenal! Sending you a big hug. You are a source of pride for all of us Italians.”
Baggio also recorded a message for the new champion, saying: “Hi Kimi, many, many congratulations for winning your first world championship. Sending a hug, ciao!”
Riccardo Orsolini, captain of Antonelli’s hometown club Bologna, offered his congratulations on behalf of the city and the club.
“On behalf of everyone from Bologna, we send our congratulations for winning your first F1 world championship,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you in Bologna to celebrate together, a big hug, ciao!”
Antonelli’s success has prompted further tributes from prominent figures in football. Antonio Conte, Bologna FC, Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Roberto have also sent messages of congratulations on social media.
The title makes Antonelli the first Italian to win Formula 1’s world championship since Ascari’s success in 1953, while his age means he has set a new record as the youngest driver ever to claim the sport’s biggest prize.
