‘The Golden Boy’ – How the World Reacted to Kimi’s First F1 Win

From Shanghai to Brackley, via Bologna, Brixworth and California, Kimi’s first Grand Prix victory in China was one heard around the world.

An incredible weekend, in which the young Italian became the youngest ever Grand Prix polesitter and second-youngest race winner in our sport’s history, resonated with so many.

La Gazetta dello Sport declared Kimi ‘Ragazzo D’Oro’ (The Golden Boy) while Corriere dello Sport simply went with ‘King Kimi.’

The former publication also shared a special graphic on their Instagram account shortly after the chequered flag fell.

^{ATP Tennis World No.2 Jannik Sinner (pictured here with Kimi in 2025) recognised his compatriot's maiden F1 win in a post-final victory speech in Indian Wells.}

Forza Italia

Hours later, on the other side of the world in California, tennis star, friend of F1, and compatriot Jannik Sinner called out Kimi in his post-match victory celebrations after claiming the title in Indian Wells.

Not only did the World No.2 reference Kimi in his trophy presentation victory speech, Sinner also signed the camera lens courtside with the words ‘Grande Kimi.’

“It has been a special day for Italy. Having a very young Italian at the top, bringing Italy home is very special,” said Sinner.

Compatriots from other sports were also quick to hail their new hero, including former Chelsea, Tottenham, and Italy manager Antonio Conte.

Father Marco, who was one of the first to greet Kimi in parc fermé in Shanghai, also shared his thoughts of his son’s journey, taking time to praise the team for helping his son achieve his dream.

“We are truly happy for this victory and for what Kimi has managed to achieve through so much work and dedication,” said Marco on Instagram.

“Obviously, none of this would have been possible without a great team like Mercedes. As a family, we will always be with Kimi. We know that there is still a lot of work to do, and perhaps it will never end.

“There is always something to improve. The best victory will be the one yet to come. We love you, Kimi.”

MotoGP rider Marc Marques commented on Kimi’s first post in the aftermath of the weekend, while the 19-year-old shared a post from Italian singer/songwriter Vasco Rossi to his stories as well.

From the podium to Parliament, Kimi's success also received acclaim from Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who posted on X: "Congratulations to Kimi Antonelli for the extraordinary victory in the Chinese Grand Prix. At just 19 years old, an Italian talent returns to the top step of the podium in Formula 1 after twenty years. Champion."

Friends from F1

Already a well-liked a respected member of the grid, Kimi’s victory was a popular one up and down the paddock.

“Huge congratulations to Kimi on his first win, you drove great today,” said team-mate George.

Lewis Hamilton, who shared in Kimi’s celebrations on the podium with former race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, also paid tribute to the 19-year-old’s momentous day in Shanghai.

The seven-time world champion wrote: “Well done Kimi, the first of many,” on Instagram while sharing a selfie of the pair and extended his congratulations to Brackley in another post on the channel.

“Huge congratulations to Mercedes and Kimi,” he said.

Lewis’ team, Italian outfit Ferrari, posted a photo of Kimi and Lewis embracing post-race with the caption “You never forget your first. Congrats on becoming a Grand Prix winner, Kimi.’

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen included his congratulations to Kimi as part of his post-weekend reaction post, while other drivers – including Valtteri Bottas, who worked with Kimi as Third Driver for the Silver Arrows last year, and defending champion Lando Norris also sent their wishes.

Multiple F1 winner and Cadillac driver Checo Perez also congratulated Kimi for the weekend.

Former drivers also had their say. 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa posting ‘Bravo Kimi! How emotional, you deserve this so much!’

The last Italian driver to win an F1 Grand Prix – Giancarlo Fisichella – shared: “I’m happy that finally after 7302 days another Italian driver win a F1 GP!

“I think that Kimi Antonelli will give shine to the Italian motorsport with a lot of successes…”

Elsewhere in motorsport, PREMA, who supported Kimi through the junior formulae and F2 also sent their congratulations.

Speaking of F2, F1’s premier feeder series were quick to honour their latest graduate to reach the top step of the podium and also shared a series of images comparing Kimi on the rostrum in both series.