Guenther Steiner believes newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli is destined to drive for Ferrari at some point in his career, but the former Haas team principal does not expect an immediate move. The Italian teenager has already achieved the sport’s biggest prize with Mercedes, yet Steiner says his nationality and exceptional talent make a future switch to Maranello a possibility that is difficult to ignore.
Antonelli’s rise to the top of Formula 1 has inevitably prompted questions about where his career might lead next. At just 20, he has become world champion, placing himself among the sport’s leading names and attracting speculation about whether Ferrari could eventually make an approach.
For Italian fans, the prospect carries particular significance. Antonelli is the first Italian driver in a generation to reach the very top of the sport, but he has done so with Mercedes rather than the country’s most famous racing team.
Steiner sees an eventual Ferrari move
Speaking to RacingNews365, Steiner acknowledged the unusual situation of an Italian world champion not racing for Ferrari. He said:
“Some people ask why he doesn’t drive for Ferrari. That’s the only thing that isn’t quite perfect for Italy: that there’s an Italian champion who doesn’t drive for Ferrari.”
Steiner nevertheless believes that situation could change in the future.
“But I think that will change eventually.”
His comments do not amount to a prediction of an imminent transfer. Rather, Steiner sees Ferrari as a potential destination further down the road, particularly given Antonelli’s age and the achievements he has already delivered.
“He’s still so young, so in my opinion he’ll drive for Ferrari someday,” Steiner added. “Will it be in the short term? No. It might take another 10 years. But of course, as an Italian with this talent, he’ll make it eventually.”
That timeframe is important. Antonelli has only just begun what could be a long career at the front of Formula 1, and there is no suggestion in Steiner’s comments that a move to Ferrari is currently being negotiated.
Mercedes remains Antonelli’s immediate priority
A future Ferrari opportunity would also depend on Antonelli’s own ambitions. For now, he is established at Mercedes, the team that brought him into Formula 1 and provided the platform for his championship success.
Steiner suggested that Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s current drivers, would not necessarily prevent Antonelli from joining the team if he wanted to. He believes the decision would ultimately come down to the young Italian and what he considers best for his career.
“I would put it this way: They’ll get him eventually. But I expect Kimi could sign there tomorrow if he wanted to,” Steiner remarked.
That is Steiner’s assessment rather than confirmation of any offer or agreement. Antonelli’s present position at Mercedes remains the central consideration, and there is no indication that he is seeking an early departure.
Schumacher has also predicted a Ferrari future
Steiner is not the first prominent Formula 1 figure to suggest Antonelli could eventually end up at Ferrari. Ralf Schumacher made a similar prediction in September, arguing that the prospect of the Italian joining the Scuderia could become a question of when rather than if.
Schumacher said the question would not remain unanswered for long, while also expecting Antonelli to remain with Mercedes for a few more years.
The two former drivers and team figures are therefore broadly aligned: Antonelli’s future may one day involve Ferrari, but his immediate future is expected to remain with Mercedes.
For Ferrari, the attraction is obvious. An Italian world champion driving for the Scuderia would carry enormous sporting and national significance. However, Antonelli has already reached the summit of the sport with Mercedes, and any eventual decision would have to be based on competitive prospects as much as sentiment.
Steiner’s prediction is consequently a long-term possibility, not a transfer development. Antonelli’s next chapter remains at Mercedes, but the idea of a homecoming to Ferrari is unlikely to disappear while he continues to establish himself as one of Formula 1’s defining talents.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
