Key Points
- Monaco Speculation Denied:Marco Antonelli, father of Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, has dismissed reports claiming his son is preparing to relocate to Monaco.
- Royal Claims Trigger Rumours:The speculation originated from comments made by Prince Albert II of Monaco in an interview with Corriere della Sera, suggesting the 20-year-old was contemplating a move.
- Contentment in San Marino:Marco Antonelli emphasized that San Marino provides an “excellent overall compromise” for an F1 driver, noting the family has no plans to change their current living arrangements.
- State Officials Reassure Residency:San Marino’s Secretary of State for Sport, Rossano Fabbri, confirmed there is no evidence indicating Antonelli intends to leave the republic.
- Strong Sporting Standing:Kimi Antonelli currently leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings by 102 points with six races remaining in his dominant campaign.
Monaco (Monaco Weekly News) October 17, 2026 – Executive Summary: Marco Antonelli has rejected assertions made by Monaco’s royal family regarding Kimi Antonelli’s prospective relocation to the principality. Following statements by Prince Albert II in the Italian press, the driver’s father clarified that the championship leader remains fully satisfied with his residence in San Marino. Republic officials have similarly affirmed Antonelli’s continued presence, dampening suggestions of an imminent move to Monte Carlo.
San Marino ([Brand Name]) October 17, 2026 – The father of Mercedes Formula 1 sensation Kimi Antonelli has spoken out to quell growing speculation surrounding his son’s off-track future following recent statements from Prince Albert II of Monaco.The Italian prodigy, who has dominated the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship and currently holds a 102-point lead with six races remaining, became the youngest-ever winner of the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this season.Despite his success on the track, public focus shifted toward his personal residency after comments surfaced from the Monegasque monarchy.
What Sparked the Monaco Relocation Speculation?
The rumours began when Prince Albert II gave an interview to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera ahead of a historic state visit by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.During the discussion, which touched upon high-profile Italian athletes who reside in Monaco—such as world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner—Prince Albert claimed that the Mercedes F1 driver was “thinking of moving to Monaco”.The prince elaborated that while fiscal advantages remain an appealing feature for international athletes, factors such as quality of life, climate, security, and personal privacy serve as primary motivators for high-net-worth sports personalities residing in the principality.
Because a significant majority of the current Formula 1 grid resides in Monte Carlo, the royal assertion triggered widespread reportage across international sports outlets, implying that the young driver was preparing to vacate his residence in San Marino.
How Did Marco Antonelli Respond to the Royal Claims?
In an interview with Italian publication Il Resto del Carlino, Marco Antonelli delivered a clear rebuttal to the rumours.As reported by Graham Shaw of Digital Sports Specialist, Marco Antonelli stated: “San Marino is an excellent overall compromise, even for an F1 driver”.
He expressed surprise over the sudden spread of the rumour, noting: “We don’t know who started this rumour,” before confirming that the family remains thoroughly pleased with their present base.Marco Antonelli, who has operated his own motorsport business, Antonelli Motorsport, from San Marino for seven years, explained that his son has consistently enjoyed living in the republic.He reaffirmed: “We’re fine and don’t need to change right now”.
How Have San Marino Authorities Positioned the Driver’s Residency?
The reported possibility of losing its highest-profile resident prompted an official reaction from San Marino authorities.San Marino’s Secretary of State for Sport, Rossano Fabbri, moved swiftly to reassure the public regarding Antonelli’s commitment to the country.As reported by Riccardo Bianchini of Il Resto del Carlino, Rossano Fabbri stated: “At the moment, I am not aware of any decision by Antonelli to leave us. After all, he has always publicly stated that he feels very comfortable in our country”.
Fabbri noted that while economic and tax considerations are frequently cited in matters of athlete residency, they do not account entirely for Antonelli’s setup.He underscored that San Marino offers safety, serenity, a high standard of living, and an orderly environment, which align with what the Antonelli family values.Fabbri added that the state remains committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure to ensure San Marino remains an attractive environment for internationally recognized sports personnel.
Background of the Residency Choice
The Antonelli family’s connection to San Marino is deeply rooted in both personal preference and professional infrastructure.Marco Antonelli established Antonelli Motorsport within the Republic of San Marino seven years ago, providing a stable operational base for the family’s racing endeavours.Kimi Antonelli officially registered his residency in San Marino in 2024, acquiring his civilian driving licence in the republic and later being designated an ambassador for Italian sports within the territory.
During the Sport in Fiera event held in San Marino in September 2026, Kimi Antonelli spoke publicly about his life in the microstate. He explained that the peaceful atmosphere, discretion, and privacy away from the intense public scrutiny of Formula 1 provided an ideal environment to support his competitive career.Although Monaco is home to thirteen current F1 drivers due to its tax structure and racing legacy, San Marino offers comparative financial and lifestyle framework conditions that have kept the young Mercedes driver anchored to his current home.
Impact on Stakeholders
The clarification provided by Marco Antonelli and San Marino officials stabilizes the off-track environment for key parties involved:
- For Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes-AMG F1: Dismissing the relocation narrative minimizes media distractions during a critical phase of the 2026 season. With a 102-point lead and six races remaining, maintaining a quiet, structured personal environment allows Antonelli to stay focused solely on securing his maiden Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship.
- For the Republic of San Marino: Retaining Antonelli preserves significant international sporting visibility and prestige for the republic. His ongoing presence reinforces San Marino’s positioning as an attractive, secure destination for world-class athletes seeking privacy alongside competitive fiscal terms.
- For the Formula 1 Media and Fanbase: The swift clarification establishes that high-profile royal remarks do not always translate into immediate athlete movements. It directs focus back to on-track performance rather than off-track contract and residency speculation.
