Kimi Antonelli: I would like to dedicate this Trofeo Bandini to my family

The trophy, established in 1992 in memory of Lorenzo Bandini, celebrates outstanding achievement and promise in Formula 1. Previous winners include Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell, who received the honour in 2024.

The celebrations took place across Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, beginning in Imola, where Antonelli met local authorities and greeted fans through the city centre in his father's GT3 car. The programme then moved to Faenza before concluding in Brisighella, Bandini's hometown, where the Mercedes driver was formally presented with the trophy.

Antonelli, who has enjoyed an impressive start to his debut Formula 1 campaign, said: "It is a true honour to be part of this event and to receive such a special award. Being here today, surrounded by so much support and positivity, makes this moment even more meaningful. This is an experience I will never forget, and I feel incredibly grateful to share it with all of you."

The 19-year-old dedicated the trophy to those who have supported his rise through the ranks of motorsport: "I would like to dedicate this trophy to my family, my amazing team, and everyone here today who has supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have made all the difference, and I am deeply thankful for each and every one of you."

For Antonelli, the award adds another milestone to a breakthrough season that has already established the Italian as one of Formula 1's most exciting young talents.

He leads the 2026 Formula 1 Champiuonship standings by 43 points, flipping the script on the internal Mercedes battle amid a season of marked superiority with their car. More experienced Russell was supposed to be the the favourite, not his younger teammate.