Turini: Alex Zanardi would be proud of Kimi Antonelli

      Leo Turini, a veteran of Italian motorsport journalism, has no doubt that Kimi Antonelli has already become a worthy successor to the best motorsport traditions of his country...

      I sincerely believe that somewhere out there, in paradise, where all heroes ascend, Alex Zanardi is genuinely proud of his compatriot who has proclaimed the beginning of a new era in Formula 1. I don't want to fall into excessive romanticism, but allow me to ponder a truly wonderful coincidence.

      For the first time in many decades, we have an Italian driver again capable of winning three Grands Prix in a row. This hasn't happened since the days when the legendary Alberto Ascari, nicknamed "The Fat Man," competed in the World Championship.

      It is quite possible that Kimi Antonelli does not yet fully realize the significance of his achievements, as he is still so young! But there is no doubt that his still very short career is closely linked to national racing traditions.

      Alex Zanardi emerged from this same atmosphere and was subject to the same emotional impulses. He belonged to a different generation, but no one can shake my conviction that Kimi Antonelli would not have become such a magnificent driver if he had different roots, if he did not possess the same passion that Alex always exhibited.

      Of course, I do not know how the season will end, and I cannot predict whether this guy from Bologna will be able to see it through to the end and win the title, but for now, he is doing wonderfully.

      After the Miami stage, there is still the impression that at least one of the Mercedes cars – the one driven by Antonelli – still has a speed advantage. But McLaren is already closing the gap, and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished ahead of George Russell, Kimi's teammate.

      As for Ferrari, it is clear that they still have a lot of work to do. Charles Leclerc deserves praise, but he literally missed a chance for the podium at the last minute – probably due to his own fault. However, the car built in Maranello clearly lacks the power to stand out even among the midfielders. Nevertheless, it is not time to prematurely part with hope.

      The strange regulations in Formula 1 this season allow Ferrari to work on engine upgrades, and if the Scuderia engineers manage their tasks well, perhaps by summer our mood will not be so melancholic. Although one question still remains unanswered: will Lewis Hamilton have the strength and energy to return to his former level and reclaim his rightful place among the best? Or have his resources simply run out?

      We will have to wait to find out, but for now, let us fully enjoy the joyful emotions that Andrea Kimi Antonelli brings us. We know that Alex Zanardi is watching over him from where he is now and is cheering for him too.