Bologna FC Celebrates F1 World Champion Kimi Antonelli as Club Highlights Ties to Motorsport.

Roger Hampel

Image: Bologna FC 1909

Bologna FC 1909 has publicly congratulated Mercedes Formula 1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli after the 20-year-old became the youngest world champion in F1 history, highlighting the connection between the Italian football club and one of its most prominent supporters.

Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship following his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1, becoming the first Italian driver to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Born and raised in Bologna, Antonelli has maintained a close connection with his hometown and its Serie A football club.

Bologna FC Players Join Celebrations for Antonelli Bologna

Bologna marked the achievement across its official social media channels, describing Antonelli's victory as a historic moment for the city and Italian sport.

"From Bologna to the top of the world," the club wrote on LinkedIn, adding: "Bologna is proud of you, Kimi."

The club also released a video featuring players including Riccardo Orsolini, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Tommaso Pobega and Roberto Piccoli congratulating the Mercedes driver.

Orsolini invited Antonelli to return to Bologna to celebrate his championship with the club.

Antonelli's Longstanding Connection With Bologna FC

Antonelli's relationship with Bologna extends beyond his emergence as a Formula 1 star.

The Mercedes driver has openly supported the club and joined celebrations in the city following Bologna's Coppa Italia triumph in May 2025.

His association with the club has also included interactions with Bologna players during Formula 1 activities in Italy.

The latest exchange reverses those celebrations, with Bologna's players now recognising Antonelli's achievement on the international motorsport stage.

Football and Formula 1 Meet Through Local Sporting Identity

Bologna's public recognition of Antonelli illustrates how football clubs can engage with prominent figures from other sports through existing local connections.

The Mercedes driver's Formula 1 success has brought international attention to Bologna, while the football club has incorporated his achievement into its own communications with supporters.

Unlike a formal commercial partnership or sponsorship activation, the interaction is based on Antonelli's established relationship with his hometown club.

The celebrations also extend beyond football. Bologna's municipal administration has announced plans to award Antonelli the Nettuno d'Oro, one of the city's highest civic honours, in recognition of his Formula 1 world title.