Adnkronos (Adnkronos) –
Kimi Antonelli ha scritto la storia della Formula 1 e i collezionisti fanno a gara per aggiudicarsi un pezzo di questo momento storico. Dopo la conquista del titolo mondiale da parte del ventenne pilota italiano, la domanda di memorabilia a lui legati ha registrato un’impennata. Secondo i dati di Catawiki, il principale marketplace online dedicato agli oggetti speciali, le vendite di memorabilia legati ad Antonelli sono aumentate di oltre dodici volte nel 2026 rispetto allo stesso periodo dell’anno precedente, mentre il valore medio di questi oggetti è cresciuto di quasi il 20%.
Il crescente entusiasmo riflette una tendenza più ampia nel mercato dei memorabilia sportivi: i collezionisti mostrano un interesse sempre maggiore per gli oggetti risalenti agli inizi della carriera degli atleti, quando il loro posto nella storia dello sport non è ancora definitivamente consacrato. Dai talenti emergenti alle leggende dello sport: il fascino dei memorabilia sportivi
Il successo di Kimi Antonelli mette in luce il crescente interesse per i memorabilia legati agli atleti e ai momenti più significativi delle loro carriere.
Per i collezionisti, questi oggetti rappresentano un legame tangibile con la storia dello sport, sia che testimonino gli esordi di una giovane promessa, sia che celebrino i traguardi raggiunti da un campione affermato.
Un fenomeno che coinvolge diverse discipline sportive. Nel calcio, anche il talento della nazionale spagnola Lamine Yamal ha suscitato un forte interesse tra i collezionisti.
Una maglia della nazionale spagnola del 2024 legata a Yamal è stata venduta su Catawiki per 2.053 euro il 23 luglio 2026, a conferma della crescente domanda di memorabilia associati ad alcuni dei talenti più celebrati del panorama calcistico.
In Formula 1, auction results on Catawiki show how major milestones in a driver's career can influence the value of sports memorabilia. When Max Verstappen won his first world title in 2021, an autographed cap, which sold for €144 in 2020, was followed by a comparable item selling for €410 after the championship victory.
A similar trend emerges in the case of Kimi Antonelli. Two comparable autographed caps were sold on Catawiki just 14 days apart, with the price increasing from €125 before the world title to €467 afterward. This represents an increase of over 270%, demonstrating how major sporting successes can translate into increased demand and value for memorabilia related to history-making athletes.
“The most fascinating aspect of sports memorabilia is how quickly a major victory can change the perception of an item in the eyes of collectors,” comments Marc Jans, sports memorabilia expert at Catawiki. “Before a major success, early-stage items represent an athlete's potential. After winning their first major title, those same items become part of sporting history. We saw this with Max Verstappen and now with Antonelli. While no one can predict their future value, collecting items related to emerging talents offers the opportunity to own a piece of their history, even before knowing how far they can go.”
To celebrate Antonelli's historic first world title, Catawiki has launched a dedicated auction featuring 40 collectibles related to his extraordinary rise in Formula 1. Taking place from November 2 to 10, 2026, the auction offers collectors the opportunity to discover objects that tell the story of both his success and the era that led to his world title. Three exceptional pieces deserve a spot on the podium.
1) Original Bell Formula 1 Visor (2026 Season): An original Bell visor from the 2026 Formula 1 season, tied to Kimi Antonelli's season of world championship success. Featuring an FIA hologram certifying its authenticity, it features the Italian driver's signature in silver marker. Estimated value: €1.700.
2) Puma Speedcat Pro Limited Edition Racing Shoes: A pair of extremely limited-edition racing shoes, developed to meet the technical specifications of Mercedes drivers, combining motorsport tradition with the allure of collectibles. The shoes bear two signatures from Kimi Antonelli, further cementing this piece's connection to the young Italian driver's Formula 1 career. Estimated value: €1.700.
3) Andrea Kimi Antonelli Autographed 1:2 Scale Helmet: A display piece from the 2026 season, signed by the Italian driver with a permanent white marker on the visor. The helmet was reportedly donated to a prominent guest of the Mercedes team and was never released for sale. Its estimated value is €900. The selection also includes scale helmets, photographs, racing gloves, paddock passes, and memorabilia from iconic Grands Prix such as Monza, Monaco, Japan, and China, offering collectors several opportunities to celebrate the most significant stages of Antonelli's rapid rise. The "Kimi Antonelli World Champion 2026" auction will run on Catawiki until tomorrow. (by Sabrina Rosci)
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