Anyone passing through the Serravalle roundabout these days cannot fail to notice it. Hanging from the bridge is a large banner reading “World Champion 2026“, a tribute to Kimi Antonelli, who chose to live in San Marino and whom the Titano now considers a little its own.
The title was clinched on Sunday, 1 November, at the Mexican Grand Prix, where a third-place finish was enough for Antonelli to be crowned Formula 1 world champion. It’s a result that rewrites the history books for two reasons.
At 20 years and 68 days old, the Bologna-born driver becomes the youngest world champion of all time.
And he is the first Italian to win the drivers’ title since Alberto Ascari in 1953 — more than seventy years of waiting for an entire sporting movement. All achieved in only his second season in the top category.
In recent days, the Secretary of State for Sport had already spoken of an achievement destined to go down in history, and the Republic is now preparing to celebrate. The banner in Serravalle is the most spontaneous sign of that anticipation.
Beyond the pride, the story speaks to San Marino’s ability to attract international talent and personalities, who find here quality of life, security and privacy. It’s a reputational asset the country should know how to make the most of, with intelligence and restraint — because few ambassadors are more effective than a world champion who says he feels at home on the Titano.
