Giacomo Raspadori, Atletico Madrid’s recent signing, surprised many by selecting Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc over fellow Italian racer Kimi Antonelli during a social media Q&A session. The 25-year-old forward, who recently arrived from Napoli, made the choice while noting that both he and Antonelli hail from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy.
On August 12, Atletico Madrid officially announced the acquisition of Raspadori, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club paid an initial €22 million (approximately $25.7 million) to secure the Italian striker’s services.
Emilia-Romagna Roots Connect Raspadori and Antonelli
After joining Atletico Madrid in Spain’s capital, Raspadori took part in an Instagram reel where he was posed a series of quick-choice questions. When asked to pick between Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli, Raspadori’s immediate response was Leclerc, though he acknowledged the close geographical ties to Antonelli.
“Leclerc. But by hometown is near where Antonelli is from. He’s from Emilia-Romagna.”
—Giacomo Raspadori, Atletico Madrid Forward
In a moment of lightheartedness, Raspadori reconsidered and jokingly included both drivers as his picks. Both athletes share a connection to the Metropolitan City of Bologna: Raspadori was born in Bentivoglio, and Antonelli shares the same birthplace.
Leclerc’s Ongoing Success with Ferrari
Despite Antonelli’s connection to Raspadori’s hometown, the Italian international cast his first vote toward Charles Leclerc, whose strong performances for Ferrari have made him a beloved figure in the country. Since joining the Scuderia in 2019, Leclerc has stood out as a leading driver, even as the team has faced challenges in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 27-year-old Monegasque has extracted remarkable performance from Ferrari’s SF 25 car, securing five podium finishes this year alone. His highlight so far was at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he achieved a second-place finish, showcasing resilience amid Ferrari’s mixed form.
Leclerc Highlights Ferrari Boss’s Calm Leadership
Leclerc also recently praised Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, describing him as a “cold-blooded” leader who brings a crucial sense of calm to the intense emotions surrounding the Ferrari team. Vasseur, 57, who extended his contract to remain with the team for several more seasons, has been instrumental in fostering stability during tough periods.
“I feel that the beauty of Ferrari is the fact that emotionally it’s always intense, but it can also harm us in some ways, especially when tougher times arrive. Fred has always had very cold blood in those moments and helped the team to be a little bit more, lucid,” Leclerc said, via RacingNews365.
—Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Driver
“That’s the biggest thing Fred has brought to the team,” he added.
—Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Driver
Leclerc also emphasized the long-term vision that Vasseur introduced since his arrival in 2023, which has helped align the squad’s direction and goals for the future.
Implications of Raspadori’s Choice and Ferrari Dynamics
Raspadori’s preference for Leclerc over Antonelli, despite their shared regional roots, reflects the strong stature Leclerc holds in both motorsport and Italian popular culture. The choice also underscores Leclerc’s significance as Ferrari’s leading figure amid a demanding season.
For Ferrari, Vasseur’s approach appears to be shaping a more focused and emotionally steady team environment, which could prove vital as the 2025 season progresses. With several podiums already secured by Leclerc, the team’s ability to rebound from challenges and maintain competitiveness will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.