APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Antonelli Emerges as the 'New Franz Hermann'
Recent paddock reports suggest young driver Kimi Antonelli possesses surprising depth, prompting an unusual historical comparison.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-14T19:47:55.000Z - 1 min read

Kimi Antonelli has long been regarded as a major talent on his way to Formula 1, but recent paddock chatter has caught attention. Whispers suggest a development extending beyond his impressive track performance alone.
The young driver's rise takes an unexpected turn as a prominent F1 publication compares him to 'the new Franz Hermann'. This unusual moniker points to a broadening profile that has caught many observers by surprise.
Rarely is a driver compared to such a figure. This signals a deeper impact or a skillset reaching beyond steering a race car, implying a strategic or technical acumen now coming to light.
The suggestion of such multifaceted talent fuels debate around Antonelli's potential for the coming years. How the young Italian handles this evolving perception will be watched closely in the paddock.