Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese believes Kimi Antonelli has shed his shyness and eventually turn into as ‘smug’ as Max Verstappen and most of the sport’s nice champions, arguing that such a trait is crucial for anybody aiming to win on the highest degree.
The younger Italian has taken a outstanding step ahead this season, exceeding expectations throughout the paddock. Antonelli has claimed 4 of the 5 victories on supply to this point and now holds a commanding 43-point lead over his teammate within the championship standings. His benefit was additional boosted by the Briton’s retirement on the Canadian Grand Prix, which got here whereas the pair have been locked in a fierce battle for the race win.
Commercial
With 17 races nonetheless remaining – pending any determination on whether or not will likely be rescheduled – Antonelli can hardly afford to begin pondering too far forward. Nonetheless, he heads into the upcoming rounds with a sizeable benefit in hand and the information that, for now a minimum of, it’s Russell who faces the stress of getting to claw again the deficit.
Talking to a betting website, Patrese stated Antonelli’s mentality has undergone a noticeable transformation in comparison with earlier seasons. In response to the previous F1 driver, the Mercedes teenager has turn into way more assured and confident, adopting the type of mindset typically related to the game’s most profitable champions, together with Verstappen, Schumacher and Senna.
Patrese acknowledged that the title combat might nonetheless be influenced by elements comparable to reliability and the progress made by rival groups all through the rest of the season. He pointed to McLaren’s vital step ahead, notably in Miami, the place Norris emerged as a severe contender. Regardless of these uncertainties, nonetheless, Patrese admitted that if he have been compelled to place cash on one driver to return out on prime, his alternative can be Antonelli.
Picture: Race Footage
Picture: Race Footage
Commercial
“He’s not shy, and he’s now even smug at instances. However it is advisable to be like this. Verstappen is like this. Prior to now, individuals like Schumacher, Senna, all of the period drivers, have been on this league and have been additionally slightly bit smug. We should see what occurs with regard to the reliability of the automobile and likewise what occurs to the opposite contenders. They’re nonetheless growing their automobiles; McLaren did an enormous bounce forward, particularly in Miami, the place Norris regarded very sturdy on the finish. But when I needed to make a guess, personally, I’d guess on Kimi.”
Antonelli refuses to rule out future Ferrari change: ‘By no means say by no means’
Contemporary off being awarded the 2026 Bandini Trophy, the championship chief addressed the chance , refusing to fully dismiss the thought whereas reiterating his dedication to Mercedes. Talking throughout the occasion in Brisighella, he was requested whether or not he might ultimately comply with within the footsteps of different homegrown drivers by making the change to Maranello. Antonelli acknowledged Ferrari’s distinctive standing inside F1, describing the Scuderia as a workforce that continues to carry a particular place within the sport’s legacy.
Regardless of that admiration, the Mercedes driver emphasised that his instant future lies elsewhere. Having progressed via the Silver Arrows’ junior programme and reached Method 1 with their backing, Antonelli underlined his want to repay that religion by combating for victories and championships in Mercedes colors.
Picture: Race Footage
Picture: Race Footage
Commercial
Whereas he refused to fully shut the door on any future state of affairs, he burdened that his full focus stays on constructing a profitable profession with the Brackley-based workforce: “We’re speaking about an important workforce, a model that can at all times be a part of historical past. By no means say by no means. However proper now I am blissful at Mercedes, and my objective is to win as a lot as potential with them.”
