Kimi Antonelli played down suggestions that he could drive for Ferrari in the future as he claimed he could spend his entire career with Mercedes.

The 20-year-old Italian has exceeded all expectations to lead the Drivers' Championship by 59 points after 12 rounds of just his second season in Formula 1.

Antonelli's superb 2026 form has seen his popularity grow massively in Italy, creating a potential dilemma for the home fans at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix who would usually be loyal to Ferrari.

Asked about expectations that he could join Ferrari later in his career, Antonelli said: "Being an Italian myself, I know how emotional we are and how excited we can get about things. Sometimes overly excited.

"Of course, there will always be this kind of talk but, at the end of the day, as much as Ferrari is massive, incredible brand, I am very happy where I am.

"I am very happy with Mercedes because they are the ones who have given me the opportunity since I was a kid and I feel like I have so much to give back to them. Got to live with that."

Antonelli open to Verstappen-Red Bull longevity

Antonelli was later asked for his views on Max Verstappen's recent decision to sign a contract extension with Red Bull, who similarly signed the Dutchman as a teenager.

Verstappen was 17 when he was given a drive at Red Bull's then junior squad Toro Rosso in 2015, before promoted into the senior team during the following season.

The 2026 season is Verstappen's 10th full campaign with Red Bull, and Antonelli foresees a similar future for himself with Mercedes.

"I think Max has an incredible relationship with Red Bull," Antonelli said. "Also, they were the one to put him in a car at a very young age. They were the one to put the trust.

"I feel like he's happy in the team, from what I can see. And he probably feels like wanting to stay with them. He probably believes as well in this project. So, I think he has all the reasons and all the rights to stay with Red Bull.

"And if one day he wants to change, then it's going to be up to him. But as long as he's happy where he is, why not?

"I will do the same with Mercedes is. I feel like I have, first of all, so much to give them. And if I will be happy all throughout with them, I will probably stay with them for my whole career as well.

"So, let's see. Of course, you never know what can happen."

'No real pressure' with grid penalty

Despite it being Antonelli's home race, Mercedes have chosen Monza as the circuit for Antonelli to receive a grid penalty for exceeding his engine allowance for the season.

Two separate engine problems earlier in the year made it inevitable Antonelli would have to take a penalty at some point, and Monza is viewed as one of the tracks where it's easiest to fight through the field from the back of the grid.

"In some ways it helps to release pressure, although I [would] very much rather fight for pole and start at the front," Antonelli said.

"But, in some ways, I feel like it makes me a bit more relaxed going into the weekend and that's why I am going to able to enjoy more the driving and the weekend itself.

"Of course, it's as well a different opportunity, an opportunity to try something different during the weekend. A different work method in free practice especially because we have the chance to do so.

"I think it's going to be a very interesting weekend."

Mercedes had previously explained that the decision had the potential to relieve pressure on Antonelli, both by decreasing expectations at his home event, and also by serving the penalty while he retains a significant lead at the top of the standings.

Antonelli leads both his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 59 points, with McLaren's Lando Norris 83 points back in fourth after winning the last two races.

Antonelli added: "Of course, the goal is always the same and we're going to try and maximise the result.

"In an ideal world, I think realistically top five you can do well. But it's all driven also by your pace, how fast you are. What's the gap between cars? We might be really quick but Ferrari or McLaren or Red Bull they might be very close that it's not enough to catch them during the race.

"We'll see but I feel very free mentally going into this weekend. Very excited, very much looking forward to it, but with no real pressure."

Sky Sports F1's Italian GP live schedule

Friday September 4
7.30am: F3 Practice
8.55am: F2 Practice
11am: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 11.30pm)*
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
2.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm)
4.15pm: The F1 Show
5.20pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference

Saturday September 5
8.25am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday September 6
7.10am: F3 Feature Race
8.40am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted's Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari's home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

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