Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned Formula 1 world champion, received an ovation from supporters at San Siro on Thursday evening. The Mercedes driver attended Italy’s Nations League match against France in Milan. This marked his first public appearance in Italy since securing his maiden F1 title.
Italy defeated France 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League fixture. Pio Esposito scored two goals for Italy, with Davide Frattesi adding another. France manager Zinedine Zidane experienced his first defeat in charge.
Antonelli, aged 20, clinched the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1. He became the youngest-ever World Drivers’ Champion, surpassing previous record holders.
The Italian secured nine Grand Prix victories during the 2026 season. He also holds records for the youngest polesitter and youngest driver to set a fastest lap.
Antonelli replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025. He became the third-youngest driver in Formula 1 history at 18 years old.
His championship win ended a 73-year wait for an Italian Formula 1 world champion. Alberto Ascari was the last Italian to achieve this feat in 1953.
Ascari won consecutive Drivers’ Championship titles in 1952 and 1953. Those championships were contested using Formula Two cars.
Mercedes also secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 8. This marked their ninth Constructors’ title and their first since 2021.
George Russell and Antonelli finished fourth and fifth respectively in Brazil. This result was sufficient for Mercedes to claim the team title.
Antonelli attended the San Siro match alongside Giovanni Malagò. Malagò is the former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
He currently serves as the special commissioner of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Malagò’s presidency of the FIGC, which began in June 2026, ended in October 2026 due to eligibility concerns.
Before the match, Antonelli spoke to Sky Sport Italia. He stated it was his first time attending a game at San Siro.
The Mercedes driver recently dyed his hair in the green, white, and red colours of the Italian flag. This celebratory gesture mirrored MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi’s look from 1998.
Antonelli is a lifelong supporter of Bologna FC. He celebrated Bologna’s Coppa Italia victory in May 2025.
Bologna FC has publicly congratulated Antonelli on his F1 title. The club invited him to celebrate his achievement with them.
Bologna coach Raffaele Palladino also extended an invitation for Antonelli to visit the team’s training ground and stadium. The city of Bologna plans to award him the Nettuno d’Oro.
Antonelli has three Grands Prix remaining in the 2026 season. The upcoming races include Las Vegas on November 19–21.
This is followed by the Qatar Grand Prix on November 27–29. The season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4–6.
