2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg has claimed Kimi Antonelli is among the “top three greatest of all-time” who have competed in karting.
Antonelli spent several years racing karts before a rapid ascension up the single-seater ladder en route to F1.
The Italian is currently enjoying a highly successful second campaign on the grid, and with an 81-point advantage, is inching towards his maiden title.
Antonelli spent 2019 racing for Rosberg's karting team and won multiple championships, adding to his busy trophy from previous seasons.
Having stepped up to single-seater competition in 2021, Antonelli left behind a legacy in karts that stands among the best to ever do it, according to Rosberg.
“I had him in my go-karting team at the time, and he was one of the greatest drivers that’s ever been seen in go-karts,” Rosberg told Sky F1.
“All the greatest of all time were karting, Senna, Hamilton, Verstappen. Kimi was one of the top three greatest of all time in go-karts, so his talent is generational.
“We’re seeing that this year. It’s just incredible how he’s driving, the speed he has day-in, day-out. He’s just fast all the time.”
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Rosberg suggests new cars behind Antonelli boost
Antonelli has taken eight victories so far this year, having stepped up his performances after a tricky rookie campaign in 2025.
However, Rosberg asserted that his pace has been aided by the new-for-2026 cars and the step away from the ground effect machinery.
”But I would say also that the cars have become a little bit easier this year, so that has allowed him to more quickly show his generational talent,” he said.
“It probably would have been a little bit more difficult if the cars had stayed like last year, because they were more extreme, a little bit more difficult to drive.
“He would have got there anyway eventually.
“It’s mainly his generational talent, and I think the regulations have slightly helped him to give him the chance to be so extremely dominant.”
Originally published by RacingNews365 —
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