Kimi Räikkönen has responded to the success of namesake Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian won the last four Grands Prix in a row and has – partly thanks to George Russell’s retirement in Canada – built an impressive lead in the world championship. The Finn is convinced that Antonelli can ultimately claim the title, although Max Verstappen remains for him the greatest ‘phenomenon’ in the premier class.
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“Of course I follow Antonelli’s performances with a lot of sympathy,” said Räikkönen to the Italian Quotidiano Nazionale. “It amuses me that he shares my name, although I realize it is purely coincidental. He is very good in any case.” Antonelli – full name Andrea Kimi Antonelli – has repeatedly had to confirm that he was not named after The Iceman, despite Räikkönen being praised in Italy for his world championship with Ferrari.
Räikkönen retired from Formula 1 after 2021 following a final stint with the then Alfa Romeo. The now 46-year-old Finn won 21 Grands Prix and with his 2007 title is still the last Ferrari champion. Nowadays he mainly focuses on supporting the karting career of his son Robin. The Italian interviewer joked that it might be beneficial for a driver to be named Kimi. “In Formula 1, of course, you don’t win four Grands Prix in a row without special talent,” Räikkönen admitted. “Antonelli’s performances are impressive. Of course, the right car is crucial, but that has always been the case, in every era.”
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Not in Piastri’s footsteps
When asked if Antonelli can win the title this year, Räikkönen did not hesitate for a moment. “Yes, and he believes in it himself. You can see it in the way he approaches the races and the mentality he shows. Antonelli will not lose his focus; he already shows so much maturity. He just has to avoid following in Piastri’s footsteps in 2025. At one point, he seemed to have the title in the bag, but he buckled under the pressure. But I don’t think Antonelli will fall into the same trap.”
Still, there is always someone above someone else. Despite Antonelli’s current form, Max Verstappen remains for Räikkönen the greatest standout in Formula 1. “Max is a phenomenon,” the Finn confirmed when asked. “I saw him break through in Formula 1 during my second period at Ferrari; he won his first race in Spain right in front of me. That’s when I realized a star was born.”
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