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Guenther Steiner claims Italian fans still have one problem with Kimi Antonelli despite title win

Kimi Antonelli is Italy’s first Formula 1 world champion in 73 years, but Guenther Steiner claims the nation still has a problem with him. The…

F1 Oversteer

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Guenther Steiner claims Italian fans are unhappy that Kimi Antonelli won the championship with Mercedes instead of Ferrari.
Antonelli became the youngest F1 world champion and Italy's first title winner in 73 years after clinching the 2026 crown in Mexico.
Steiner stated on The Red Flags Podcast that Antonelli does not receive the level of recognition in Italy that he deserves.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner stated that Italian fans are not entirely satisfied with Kimi Antonelli because he won the 2026 Formula 1 world championship with Mercedes rather than Ferrari. Antonelli secured the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest champion in F1 history and Italy's first titleholder since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner argued that Italian supporters are customary Ferrari followers and do not give Antonelli the full recognition he deserves. The report notes that Piero Ferrari and Bernie Ecclestone have both expressed interest in seeing the 20-year-old driver join the Scuderia in the future.

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Guenther Steiner claims Italian fans still have one problem with Kimi Antonelli despite title win

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