Without Italy in the World Cup, Kimi Antonelli is torn between Brazil and Argentina
Leader of the Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship, Italian Kimi Antonelli spoke a little about football in an interview before the Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for next Sunday (24).
On the soil of one of the three countries that will host the 2026 World Cup, the 19-year-old lamented yet another absence for his Italy at the World Cup, the third in a row.
"Italy won't be there, unfortunately. So we'll have to wait another four years, maybe. That's a disaster, but that's okay," he commented.
Without the Azzurri, Antonelli said he is still not sure who he will support in the World Cup, but admitted that he is leaning towards two historic rivals: Brazil and Argentina.
"I really like Brazil, for example. I like the way they play football," said the Mercedes driver. "But then again, I'm also rooting for Messi, one of my favorite players when I was a kid. And I got to meet him in Miami."
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Antonelli wins the Japanese GP - Reproduction/X/Formula 1
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Antonelli wins the Japanese GP - Reproduction/X/Formula 1
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Antonelli shines with opening lap and wins pole at the Japanese GP - Disclosure/Mercedes
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Kimi Antonelli celebrates pole position at the Chinese GP - Photo: Disclosure/ Formula 1
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Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Mercedes drivers - Disclosure/Mercedes
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Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver - Disclosure/Mercedes
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Russell and Antonelli confirmed for the 2026 season - Disclosure/Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
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Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver - Disclosure/Kimi Antonelli
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Kimi Antonelli, from Mercedes, took to the streets of Bologna to celebrate winning the Coppa Italia - Disclosure/Mercedes
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Sergio Pérez plans to fly back to Mexico for the World Cup
Mexican Sergio Pérez, from Cadillac, has a special interest in the World Cup, as his country will also host the tournament, along with the United States and Canada.
The 36-year-old pilot even said he is determined to fly back from Europe in the middle of the season to watch a Mexico game in Guadalajara, his hometown.
"I literally have to come just for one game and then go back to Europe. We're going to make it happen," assured Pérez.
"It's a World Cup at home. Anything can happen," added the experienced driver, remaining cautiously optimistic about Mexico's chances at the World Cup.
Italy is the first champion in history to miss out on three consecutive World Cups
Source: CNN