Leo Turini on Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli

      A week ago, we quoted Leo Turini, who in his column dedicated to Kimi Antonelli's victory in Japan wrote that in Italy "Kimi-mania is already starting."

      However, even among the compatriots of the talented 19-year-old Mercedes driver, there are those who try to belittle his achievements, which is why the veteran Italian sports journalist decided to respond to these people.

      Leo Turini: "Less than a year ago, Max Verstappen was close to signing a contract with Mercedes, where he could have replaced George Russell. And it is obvious that at that time my godson Kimi Antonelli would not have those two victories.

      The question is: if we assume that Super-Max is the best driver in the championship, and I have held this opinion for many years, is anyone ready to believe that if he were currently dominating behind the wheel of one of Toto Wolff's cars, he would threaten to leave Formula 1?

      Are there really those who seriously think so?

      And can we consider 21 victories for Red Bull (in 22 races) in 2023 a triumph of justice based on the results of a confrontation between equally matched teams?

      By the way, my dissatisfaction with the new championship regulations does not affect these reflections in any way. Sometimes the rules have to be considered erroneous or even dangerous, and I have already mentioned this before. But if someone casts a shadow on Antonelli for winning races behind the wheel of this Mercedes car, it is not from great wisdom.

      Is Jenson Button to blame for the Brawn car being equipped with a double diffuser in 2009? Or is Fernando Alonso to blame for the fact that in 2005 tire changes were banned in Formula 1?

      Should I continue, or are these two examples more than enough? People who do not see the difference and cannot distinguish one from the other cannot be called wise – they are simply mistaken..."