Nico Rosberg has heaped praise on Kimi Antonelli, calling the Mercedes driver one of the top three greatest of all-time in karting. The 2016 F1 champion made the claim while reflecting on Antonelli's early days in his karting team.
Antonelli spent several years in karts before a rapid rise through the single-seater ranks to F1. In 2019, he raced for Rosberg's karting team and won multiple championships, adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet. According to Rosberg, Antonelli's talent was evident from a young age and stands among the best ever seen in the discipline.
“I had him in my go-karting team at the time, and he was one of the greatest drivers that’s ever been seen in go-karts,” Rosberg told Sky F1. “All the greatest of all time were karting: Senna, Hamilton, Verstappen. Kimi was one of the top three greatest of all time in go-karts, so his talent is generational.”
That praise is backed by results. After leaving karts in 2021, Antonelli climbed the motorsport ladder with remarkable speed and is now enjoying a highly successful second F1 campaign. With an 81-point lead, he is inching towards his maiden title. His eight victories so far this year have silenced any doubts about his ability.
However, Rosberg also pointed to the 2026 regulations as a factor that has helped Antonelli showcase his generational talent more quickly. The new cars, which move away from ground effect machinery, are considered less extreme and easier to drive than their predecessors.
“But I would say also that the cars have become a little bit easier this year, so that has allowed him to more quickly show his generational talent,” Rosberg explained. “It probably would have been a little bit more difficult if the cars had stayed like last year, because they were more extreme, a little bit more difficult to drive. He would have got there anyway eventually. It’s mainly his generational talent, and I think the regulations have slightly helped him to give him the chance to be so extremely dominant.”
As the season progresses, Antonelli's dominance shows no signs of waning. With Rosberg's endorsement, the Italian's status as a future world champion seems all but certain.
Read Also
FREC 2027 expected to welcome Invicta Racing and LN4 Fusion, plus Silverstone and Algarve. Grid returns to full 12 teams, major expansion for European junior series.
Australian GP rules out 2027 F1 season-opener despite Bahrain uncertainty. CEO Travis Auld confirms April 1-4 date locked, citing pit building rebuild.
Max Verstappen advises Kimi Antonelli to stay relaxed amid his F1 championship lead. Antonelli is 'flying' and shouldn't stress, says Verstappen.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!