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Kimi Antonelli to meet Pope amid Formula 1 success

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 11:16 AM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Kimi Antonelli to meet Pope amid Formula 1 success

Summary

Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old driver for Mercedes, is expected to receive an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This invitation comes as the teenager's performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has captivated the Italian public, despite recent setbacks on the track, including a power unit failure at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Antonelli's connection to the legacy of Ayrton Senna adds a cultural dimension to his rising fame in Italy, challenging the stronghold of Ferrari in the country. As Antonelli maintains a significant lead over Lewis Hamilton in the World Championship standings, he prepares for the upcoming race at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Antonelli is a standout 19-year-old driver for Mercedes.
•He is expected to meet Pope Leo XIV soon.
•His recent victory streak ended with a power unit failure in Barcelona.
•Antonelli leads Lewis Hamilton by 41 points in the standings.
•The next race is scheduled at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Latest Updates

11:16 AMYahoo Sports — Kimi Antonelli Breaks Italy as Mercedes Teenager Gets Vatican Invite

What they're saying

"
When you dominate Formula 1 as a teenager, the perks of the job escalate quickly. You get multimillion-dollar contracts, global sponsorships, and the keys to some of the fastest cars on the planet. But Kimi Antonelli’s meteoric rise in the…
— Yahoo Sports

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