Source: Official Team Post via X
Kimi Antonelli Surprised by San Siro Ovation During Nations League Match
Kimi Antonelli was left speechless when Italian football fans chanted his name at the San Siro during a Nations League match. The F1 champion's remarkable season has made him a national icon, celebrated both on and off the track.
Kimi Antonelli found himself the center of attention at the San Siro as Italy clashed with France in a Nations League match. The Italian F1 sensation was visibly astonished when the stadium erupted into chants of his name after he appeared on the big screens.
Antonelli, who has ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another F1 World Champion, has become a massive sports figure in the country. With nine race wins this season, he capitalized on Mercedes' early-season form to secure a commanding lead in the championship.
Taking a break amidst a hectic schedule of triple-header race weekends, Antonelli attended the match, perhaps hoping to blend into the crowd. However, the Milan stadium's 75,000 attendees had other ideas, greeting him with roaring cheers.
A video making the rounds on social media shows Antonelli, mouth agape, as his name echoed around the stadium. His reaction was summed up in a single word: "Wow!"
Prior to the game, Antonelli received a custom shirt featuring his race number, 12, and his initials, AKA – Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Italy, having missed the World Cup, triumphed over France, marking their first such home victory in 64 years.
Antonelli's championship journey started strong, with victories in five of the season's first six races, Monaco included. As competition heated up, wins became scarce with drivers like Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and George Russell also claiming wins.
Despite the fierce competition, Antonelli maintained his lead, highlighted by a spectacular comeback win from the back of the grid at Monza. His championship was clinched in Mexico City, celebrated in front of an ecstatic crowd at the Foro Sol.
Reflecting on the fans' support before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Mercedes secured the Constructors’ Championship, Antonelli said: “It’s been an amazing two days, but I still haven’t had enough time to realize and digest what has just happened. Definitely, I’m very happy. It still feels surreal.
“I’ve received so many nice messages, so much support, and videos from my hometown celebrating. The support has been incredible. It’s really hard to pick one single moment or action that impressed me the most because they were all super nice.
“But I think the message from Seb was very nice. It was very deep, with a lot of meaning behind it and a lot of advice for the future. So that was very nice."