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.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES