Valentino Rossi congratulated Kimi Antonelli on becoming Formula 1 world champion, describing the achievement as deeply emotional and a moment that will be remembered. Speaking to Sky Sport, the MotoGP champion called Antonelli’s season impressive and said he made the difference against the rest of the field, particularly his Mercedes teammate.
Rossi acknowledged that Mercedes had the best car but said the team did not dominate the championship, making Antonelli’s contribution especially significant. In his view, much of the team’s success was down to the driver.
The MotoGP legend said he first became interested in Antonelli partly because of his name, which reminded him of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Räikkönen. Rossi said he had followed Antonelli since his karting days and believes he has the potential to become one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
Rossi also said he enjoys comparing Antonelli’s path with his own and that he is happy to support the young Italian driver.
Sources: ANSA Sport.