Bologna, September 15, 2026 – “We will give an award to Kimi Antonelli.” The announcement was made by Mayor Matteo Lepore, but it is still unclear when and what honor will be given to the young Bolognese driver, leader of the Formula 1 world championship.
After the first victories in March, Brothers of Italy had proposed to Palazzo d’Accursio the awarding of the Golden Neptune to Kimi. This concept was reiterated by the League at the beginning of September. The proposal was postponed by the Municipality until the end of the year.
Today, while the F1 world championship season is in full swing and Kimi leads by 81 points ahead of teammate George Russell, Mayor Lepore returns to speak about the recognition for the 20-year-old, driving the number 12 car for Mercedes.
Lepore: “Since June we have been in contact with Antonelli and Mercedes”
“We are in contact with Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes and since June we have agreed with them on the timing and ways to recognize this great Bolognese champion and the city’s closeness.” Lepore did not specify what the recognition will be.
“We recognize a champion close to our city”
“We are also working with the Mayor of Imola and the Region – he added – to have the last Grand Prix of the championship in Imola. We hope to be able to give good news, but it is still early.”
The debate in spring
The ‘General Affairs’ commission had decided in March: “The mayor is the first to share the positive assessments of Kimi, but we are waiting at least for the Mercedes driver to finish the season,” said Chief of Staff Sergio Lo Giudice, after Antonelli’s victories in Japan and China. The position of Palazzo D’Accursio apparently has not changed even today.
The response of Francesca Scarano, FdI group leader in the Municipality, who proposed the motion: “The clumsily explained reasons and the request to wait for the athlete’s maturity are incomprehensible. Antonelli is already a champion and has achieved unique results. An example of dedication for all young people and a source of pride for the land of motors,” she said at that time.
“Kimi is an extraordinary champion, Bolognese, an example of grit, commitment, and determination. He loves and lives our city and embodies the motor tradition of our land – wrote League group leader Matteo Di Benedetto on last September 7 –. He is bringing Bologna to the whole world, victory after victory. The hope is that there will be unanimity from everyone. Over time, we have seen awards given to people who have never even been to Bologna.”
The eighth wonder in Spain
After moving all of Italy by bringing an Italian back to the podium of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza just a week ago; today the triumph in Madrid. Victories that are becoming numerous and that crown the great talent of this 20-year-old driver.
With the victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, the 20-year-old Bolognese further extends his lead in the drivers’ standings, reaching 292 points, with an 81-point advantage over teammate Russell, who rises to 211. Lewis Hamilton remains at 191 points.
“I have to keep pushing race after race trying to do my best, then we will see what the result will be at the end of the year without thinking about the standings,” Antonelli comments.
Other great athletes and cinema giants awarded
Several athletes have been awarded in the past with various recognitions. From Bologna who won the 1964 championship and the team that qualified for the Champions League in 2024, then other great athletes like Marco Di Vaio, Alex Zanardi, Alberto Tomba, and Vincenzo Italiano (the last to receive it chronologically, in May 2025 after winning the Italian Cup).
Or giants of cinema and music like Francesco Guccini, Gianni Morandi, Vasco Rossi, and Pupi Avati.
Besides these awardees and dozens of others, Brothers of Italy and the League had proposed to award the Golden Neptune to Antonelli, leader of the most important motorsport championship.
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