The newly crowned 2026 Formula 1 World Champion, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, continued celebrations of his historic title victory with the honour of meeting Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The 20-year-old won the F1 World Championship in Mexico City and made history as he became the first Italian driver to secure the title since 1953. After a long drought for Italy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli brought them back to the top. Following the celebration of the historic title, the Italian recieved an invitation to meet with the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Joined by his parents and his sister, Antonelli met with Mattarella at the Quirinale in Rome on Friday. To prepare for the meeting, the young Italian signed one of his F1 helmets, writing a special dedication to the President on the visor.
Il Presidente Mattarella ha incontrato il campione del mondo di Formula 1 Kimi Antonelli 🇮🇹 https://t.co/ilhbNB2IHX
— Quirinale (@Quirinale) November 13, 2026
‘New situation’ motivating the Italian President to watch F1
Antonelli and President Mattarella discussed the physical demands of the sport, with Antonelli explaining the intense training and conditions that come with being in the cockpit.
“You lose roughly a couple of kilograms,” Antonelli said. “We have the fireproof suit, which is also hot. We train to be as ready as we can and to be able to withstand the heat we experience when we drive. But then after the session you jump into a tub of cold water…”
Following his explanation, Mattarella asked whether the same was true Formula 2 and karting.
“In karts a little less so,” Antonelli replied. “You are much more out in the open. In a single-seater you are enclosed. But in F2 the races last a little less and are less physical. In Formula 1 the race lasts an average of an hour and a half. But will you come and see some races next year? Maybe at Monza? It would be very nice to have you with us.”
“I really hope so,” Mattarella responded. “Now Formula 1 attracts me a lot! The last time was several years ago. It is always complicated, because my movements are complex… But this new situation [referring to Antonelli’s competitiveness] greatly encourages me.”
As the legendary Italian team Ferrari has suffered from a title drought since 2008, the young Antonelli brings Italy new hope. Perhaps the Italian President will be spotted in Monza or at another race after Antonelli extended the invitation. With three more race weekends to go this season, Antonelli still has chances to reach the top step of the podium again.
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