F1 takes off its hat to Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli is not the bluff that some speculated he was at the beginning of the year. With an extraordinary consistency of performance at the highest levels, while teammate George Russell struggles with a thousand problems, the Bolognese continues to win consensus in the F1 paddock. After a first part of the season as a protagonist, the young Mercedes talent has been indicated as the best driver in the championship by two who are not newcomers. They are Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, winners of the last five World Championships.
Read more Norris: “F1 only thinks about how to increase earnings”
What makes the difference, according to those who face him on track every weekend, is above all consistency. Antonelli has managed to maintain a high level in every session, and a solid driver like Norris appreciates precisely this continuity of performance, making the most of the Mercedes’ potential. Among Verstappen’s compliments, on the other hand, one cannot fail to notice the usual jab at Russell.
Norris’s words
“Kimi is the only driver always at the top in every session. He has done an incredible job, he deserves compliments and credit for the championship“, this is the comment from the world champion.
Verstappen’s words
“I think Kimi has done a great job. He is the strongest in the team. For a nineteen-year-old, so far, I think he has been rock solid. He has been really impressive from the outside“, Verstappen added.
The judgment on the 2006-born championship is therefore extremely positive. Although he has paid for some unlucky episodes during the season, the Italian driver has shown solidity, speed, and maturity well beyond his 19 years. Continuing with this performance, the current 50-point gap on Lewis Hamilton could even widen after the break. Also because Norris and Verstappen themselves could be his allies by taking points away from the Ferrari driver.
Read more The dance, the sea and the road
