Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Kimi Antonelli may have been at San Siro to watch Italy take on France, but the newly crowned Formula 1 world champion soon became an attraction himself.
More than 70,000 fans packed into the Milan stadium for Thursday evening’s Nations League fixture, with the Mercedes driver receiving a standing ovation when he appeared on the big screens.
The 20-year-old looked visibly touched as he acknowledged the applause with a wave. Footage captured Antonelli looking around with a broad smile, seemingly unsure where to turn as supporters celebrated his championship success.
Antonelli shared the occasion with his family. His father, Marco, could be seen sitting behind him, applauding alongside the crowd as the Italian enjoyed another memorable moment following his maiden world title.
It has been a season to remember for the Italian, winning eight races on his way to becoming Formula 1's youngest ever champion, breaking the record which was last set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010. He will be hoping to add to his win tally in the final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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Antonelli mania hits new heights
Antonelli’s popularity has also extended to the collectors’ market, with a unique signed card fetching $878,400 at a Goldin auction on 18 October.
The 2025 Topps Chrome Formula 1 SuperFractor features Antonelli smiling while riding a scooter during his rookie season with Mercedes. It carries his autograph and a 1/1 designation, making it the only card of its kind. It also received a PSA 10 grade, the highest possible rating for its condition.
The sale made it the second-most expensive Formula 1 trading card ever sold. Remarkably, the auction took place before Antonelli secured his maiden world championship in Mexico.
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Only a Lewis Hamilton card has fetched more. A rare 2020 Topps Chrome card featuring the seven-time champion sold for $900,000 in 2022, leaving Antonelli just $21,600 behind the driver he replaced at Mercedes.
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