F1 champion Antonelli’s love for Bologna FC: from wannabe striker to Coppa Italia celebrations

Bologna have invited Formula 1 world champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli to celebrate his title victory with his hometown club. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver became the youngest world champion in F1 history in Mexico, becoming the first Italian to secure the championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Antonelli's passion for Bologna dates back to his childhood, when he played as a striker and regularly attended games at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara with his father, Marco. Although he could not travel to Rome when Bologna won the Coppa Italia in May 2025, Antonelli celebrated in the city streets, later swapping signed shirts with former coach Vincenzo Italiano and captain Lorenzo De Silvestri at Imola.