Kimi Antonelli listened very carefully to Roger Federer's advice. © ANSA / NEIL HALL

With Federer's tips: Sinner's buddy chases Formula 1 title

Kimi Antonelli listened very carefully as Roger Federer gave the young Formula 1 leader some advice. "He told me to just think from race to race and control the emotions that cause mistakes," said the 19-year-old.

July 17, 2026

From: dpa/sn

The Italian teenager and the Swiss tennis legend (44) recently sat next to each other in the Royal Box at Wimbledon. And naturally, Antonelli picked up a few tips from the great Federer, which might help him on his way to his first world title. Winning the trophy would certainly cement his status as a true great of his sport, even at such a young age.

“It was great to talk to him about everything. He’s not only an incredible athlete, but also humble and very open,” said Antonelli in Spa-Francorchamps. Ahead of the tenth race of the Formula 1 season, he leads the overall standings by 25 points over his British Mercedes teammate George Russell.

Antonelli could become Italy's first world champion since 1953

He would give his second season so far an 8,5 out of 10, said the friend of tennis star Jannik Sinner. A poor start in Japan, mistakes in the Miami sprint, and errors in qualifying in Barcelona and Spielberg meant he didn't want to give a better rating. Furthermore, damage to his car, through no fault of his own, forced him to retire for the second time in the last three races.

Friends: Jannik Sinner and Kimi Antonelli.

Hopes are high in his homeland that Antonelli could become the first Italian Formula 1 world champion in 73 years. Alberto Ascari triumphed in a Ferrari in 1953, and the Tifosi have been waiting for a successor ever since. "I have to deliver and try to get the maximum out of what I can control," said Antonelli. Specifically, that means making as few mistakes as possible, staying focused at all times, and leaving the competition in his wake.

Hardly anyone in the paddock doubts that the young man from Bologna is a future world champion. "You could already see his outstanding talent in karting," said four-time world champion Max Verstappen about his rival. The Dutchman, currently seventh in the championship standings in his Red Bull, is lagging behind by 103 points, while he said of the shrewd super-talent Antonelli: "At the moment, he's doing an incredible job. He's made a huge leap."