P1racenews AI automatic summary:
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has backed Mercedes youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli to be Italy’s big “hope” in F1.
Kim Antonelli, a 17-year-old driver, has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019 and is considered to be one of the most impressive talents outside of Formula 1. Despite bypassing Formula 3 completely, Antonelli has been fast-tracked to race in Formula 2, which is the main feeder series for F1, in 2024. Italy hasn’t had an F1 driver since Antonio Giovinazzi, and their last race winner was Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006. On the other hand, Francesco Bagnaia is currently leading the championship in MotoGP and is the reigning champion. Bagnaia rose through the ranks with the support of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy. While Rossi supports Antonelli, he stated that his academy will likely continue to focus on motorcycles rather than expanding to four-wheel drivers. However, he expressed his desire to support and help Antonelli in his journey to reach Formula 1, as he sees Antonelli as a potential future Italian hope in the sport.
Source: Crash
