The Bologna native's third-place finish in Mexico City secured Mercedes the drivers' crown and ended a championship drought for his nation that had persisted since 1953. At just 20 years old, his historic achievement sparked nationwide celebrations and drew high-level praise across Italian politics and sports. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the milestone on social media, while major newspapers and Bologna's Serie A soccer club joined in the national celebration. Fans across Italy gathered to watch the race, including several hundred spectators at the Imola race track's Checco Costa Museum and a cinema screening in his hometown.
Key points
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the local Serie A soccer club in Bologna public…: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the local Serie A soccer club in Bologna publicly celebrated the historic athletic achievement.
Hundreds of supporters gathered at watch parties across Italy, including events at Bologn…: Hundreds of supporters gathered at watch parties across Italy, including events at Bologna and the Imola race track.
The Mercedes driver's triumph restored an Italian competitor to the pinnacle of global mo…: The Mercedes driver's triumph restored an Italian competitor to the pinnacle of global motorsport after a seven-decade absence.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
ROME, Nov 2 : Italians on Monday celebrated the success of Kimi Antonelli, who became Formula One's youngest world champion at the age of 20 when he clinched the title in Mexico City.
Antonelli, who is from the northern city of Bologna, is also the first Italian champion since 1953.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to social media to praise what she called an "extraordinary achievement".
"A success that puts an Italian driver back on top of the world, rewarding talent, commitment, determination and dedication," Meloni said.
"It's a source of great pride for our country," she wrote on X, alongside a picture of Antonelli holding the Italian flag.
La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper ran the headline "Kimitico," a play on words meaning "Legendary Kimi".
La Stampa newspaper struck a similar tone, with its headline "Kimi nella leggenda" ("Kimi makes history.")
In Rome, locals took delight in an Italian sporting success, with one comparing Antonelli to tennis champion Jannik Sinner.
"They're two shining stars of Italian sport," said Daniela Bulgarini. "He seems like a good kid, very talented. Talent and…
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