Jun.13 (GMM) Flavio Briatore admits he completely underestimated Kimi Antonelli.
The Alpine executive has become the latest senior Formula 1 figure to heap praise on the 19-year-old Italian after his fifth consecutive grand prix victory in Monaco.
“What kind of driver, what kind of phenomenon is someone who wins five Grands Prix in a row at 19 years old?” he said.
Briatore said his first impression of Antonelli was misleading.
“The first time I saw Kimi last year he looked like a little kid,” he said. “It seemed incredible that such a little boy could have the courage and determination that he has.
“He was really underestimated.”
Briatore compared Antonelli’s early image to that of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. “He arrived with those little curls sticking out from under his cap,” he smiled.
“He’s a bit like Valentino Rossi at the beginning of his career. We all thought he was a good driver because Toto did an incredible job.
“Toto went and found Kimi.”
The Italian admitted he initially put Antonelli’s success down to Mercedes’ dominant car, having performed adequately alongside Russell in 2025.
“He was always more or less behind his teammate,” said Briatore.
But five wins in a row this season so far have changed his mind completely.
“One race can happen,” Briatore said. “You can have a bit of luck. The second race, maybe you benefited from a few red flags. Things can happen.
“But now he’s won five Grands Prix out of five.”
Briatore was especially impressed by Antonelli’s restart against Lewis Hamilton in Monaco. “At one point when we restarted on the grid, with Hamilton alongside him – and Hamilton starts well…”
“It could have been Ferrari’s moment, Ferrari’s chance to win its Grand Prix. Instead he’s a killer.
“What he did was unbelievable. Absolutely incredible. Chapeau.”
Briatore revealed he has even given the championship leader a nickname.
“I call him Ricciolino (curly),” he laughed. “I like him a lot. And you have to treat him with affection because you can see he’s still a kid.
“But when he puts the helmet on, he’s a beast.”
The 76-year-old believes the title fight now revolves around Antonelli.
“Now he’s genuinely the one everyone has to beat to win the world championship.”
He also had a blunt message for Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell, who now trails by 68 points. “Russell needs a serious wake-up call,” Briatore said.
“And I am convinced. I was wrong. Because I never thought Kimi would be this strong, this determined. He doesn’t make mistakes anymore. He does everything right.
“He’s another phenomenon.”
