Why Enzo Ferrari Might Have Snubbed Kimi Antonelli

Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, recently shared insights into why his father might have passed on signing Kimi Antonelli, despite the young Italian's impressive track record. Kimi Antonelli, hailing from Bologna, has become Italy's first Grand Prix winner in two decades, sparking speculation about a potential future with Ferrari. However, Piero explained that Enzo Ferrari held reservations about hiring Italian drivers due to the immense pressure they faced.

In a conversation with prominent F1 journalist Leo Turrini, Piero expressed his admiration for Antonelli but noted a key reason why his father might have hesitated. "Absolutely!" Piero said when asked if his father would have liked Antonelli. Yet, he continued, "You see, at a certain point, my father decided to stop backing Italian drivers." This decision was largely influenced by the tragic accident of Lorenzo Bandini in 1967, which highlighted the 'unbearable' pressure on Italians racing for Ferrari.

Enzo Ferrari himself only made exceptions rarely, such as when he brought in Michele Alboreto. Alboreto came closest to a championship win for an Italian driver with Ferrari, finishing as runner-up to Alain Prost in 1985. Despite this, Piero Ferrari acknowledged Antonelli's natural talent and clear-headed driving style, traits his father would have appreciated.

When asked about Antonelli's potential move to Ferrari, Piero admitted, "There are so many factors – contracts, commitments. But who wouldn't love to see an Italian behind the wheel? Given his roots, maybe Antonelli would enjoy it too. Perhaps it will happen one day – why not?" While Antonelli is currently content at Mercedes, he hasn't ruled out a future switch to Maranello, keeping the dream alive for many Ferrari fans.