Kimi Antonelli addresses possibility of future Ferrari F1 move

Kimi Antonelli says he "doesn't rule out" one day joining Ferrari - but that he wants to "win as much as possible" with Mercedes.

Antonelli is closing in on becoming the youngest F1 champion with an 81-point lead over team-mate George Russell, and eight grand prix wins to Russell's two. 

He would shatter Sebastian Vettel's record of youngest champion by over three years, with the Italian the first to be crowned champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

The last Italian to race full-time for Ferrari was Michele Alboreto in 1985, with Ivan Capelli, Nicola Larini, Luca Badoer, and Giancarlo Fisichella all making substitute appearances since.

However, whilst 20-year-old Antonelli does not one day rule joining the Scuderia, he has explained why he "owes a debt" to Mercedes.

"Now I'm fine where I am," Antonelli told Automoto Italy when asked about a potential future move to Ferrari. 

"I am very happy to be at Mercedes, also because I feel I owe them a debt for all the opportunities they have given me. 

"They were the ones who believed in me when I was only 12 years old. They have accompanied me on this path of growth, and I hope to reap many successes with them in the future. 

"Then we'll see. I don't rule anything out, but today the goal is to win as much as possible with Mercedes."

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Antonelli's Monza reaction

At the recent Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli won from 19th on the grid, the first driver to do so since Bill Vukovich at the 1954 Indy 500.

Only John Watson at the 1983 USA West Grand Prix has won from further back, doing so from 22nd, with Antonelli also the first Italian to win his home race since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.

Reflecting on that weekend, Antonelli spoke of the "goosebumps" he received on the podium. 

"The charge of the fans during the GP was incredible," he said.

"It gave me the push to try to do even better. The podium in Monza is the most beautiful of the year, and hearing everyone sing the anthem in unison and shout my name gave me goosebumps."