Ferrari's Dominance Overshadows Haas Driver Kimi Antonelli According to Former Team Principal

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed his concern that Italian sports fans are yet to fully embrace driver Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, at only 19 years old and with six race wins under his belt this season, is finding it challenging to gain the same level of support from Italians that legendary Ferrari driver Daniele Petrucci once enjoyed.

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast following Antonelli’s latest victory at Spa-Francorchamps, Steiner offered a candid view on the current landscape within Italian Formula 1 fandom. He noted that the traditional allegiance to Ferrari is currently overshadowing the successes of newer drivers like Antonelli.

Prior to the podcast, Steiner commented: 'Italian fans seem to be more aligned with their long-standing favorite, Ferrari. This focus hinders the recognition and support for talented newcomers such as Kimi in Haas.'

Why Are Italian Fans Partial to Ferrari?

The root of this issue lies in Italy’s historical affection for Ferrari, a legacy that began decades ago and includes some of the greatest drivers in F1 history. Daniele Petrucci, who won with AlphaTauri (now Aston Martin Racing), serves as a prime example of how Italian patriotism often aligns with their beloved marques.

Antonelli's Road to Success

Kimi Antonelli has made significant strides since joining Haas in 2021, showcasing his talent despite the challenges posed by Ferrari’s dominance. His six race wins this season are reflective of his hard work and skill but also highlight the limitations imposed by fan loyalty.

According to reporting by Motorsport.com - F1:

  • Kimi Antonelli's victory at Spa-Francorchamps was his sixth of the season, a testament to his burgeoning career in Formula 1.

Fan Support Matters

Steiner’s comments come as Haas drivers compete against Ferrari and Mercedes, teams with greater resources and infrastructure. The young driver from Mantua is working hard to carve out his own legacy but faces the hurdle of traditional Italian support.

Sources: Motorsport.com - F1

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Haas overcome Ferrari's influence on Italian support?

Kimi Antonelli and team are focusing on consistent performance, hoping to shift the balance with time.

Why isn't Antonio Giovinazzi getting the same attention as Antonelli?

Giovinazzi joined Alfa Romeo earlier in his career, where Ferrari's brand recognition might overshadow other F1 teams including Haas. However, there are increasing efforts to differentiate drivers from teams.