Antonelli: The rivalry with Lewis will be the fiercest.
Before the Austrian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli continues to lead in the individual standings, while Mercedes confidently tops the Constructors' Cup. Although Ferrari is gradually gaining momentum, the Italian driver, who already has five victories to his name, believes in his team.
"I have always believed that Ferrari has a good car, and this team is actively upgrading it, so of course, they have gotten much closer to us," Kimi admitted. "But Red Bull Racing will also present several innovations this weekend, and McLaren is not falling behind either. But our team is striving for victories; I fully trust everything that the specialists at the base in Brackley are working on, as they direct all their energy to prepare the most efficient car for us.
And if I have to compete – with George Russell or some other driver – then I will fight until the end."
When Antonelli was asked if he was surprised that the second place in the individual standings is occupied not by his Mercedes teammate but by Lewis Hamilton, the 19-year-old driver replied: "I don't pay attention to these results and don't want to know anything about them. I only know about the size of the gaps because I have been reminded of them a thousand times, but at the same time, I don't want to think too far ahead.
Of course, I understand that Hamilton can enter the title fight, and I fear that because I realize that the rivalry with him will be very intense. I know Lewis; I know that he is a true fighter and is driving very well right now. We have known each other for many years; I respect him a lot and believe that he is a role model.
We met in 2018 in Monza; I was one of the guys participating in the pre-race ceremony – when the Italian anthem was played, I was on the starting grid. After my victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, I showed Lewis the photo taken back then, and he was just amazed! He must have felt how old he was at that moment!.."
At these words, Kimi Antonelli, who will turn 20 exactly two months later, laughed cheerfully.
Other articles
Williams and Cadillac violated the curfew rule.
On the night of Friday, the teams Williams and Cadillac violated the curfew rules.
Briatore suggests a future for Alpine involving Gasly and Colapinto.
Formula 1 | Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto seem more likely to continue as Alpine's race drivers in 2027. This comes amid rumors connecting Fernando Alonso (…)
Leclerc dismisses the pressure from Hamilton as Ferrari's performance evolves.
Formula 1 | Charles Leclerc has dismissed claims that Lewis Hamilton is transforming Ferrari into 'his' team following the seven-time world champion's significant achievement (...)
Alonso: I will continue to race, but perhaps not in Formula 1.
Formula 1 | Fernando Alonso has expressed confidence in continuing to race beyond 2026, but he acknowledges that it's still uncertain if that will be in Formula 1. Despite ongoing (…)
Mercedes had to change the design of the diffuser.
After complaints from rivals and intervention from the FIA, the Mercedes team was forced to make "minor changes" to the design of the diffuser.
Williams and Cadillac violated the curfew rule.
On the night of Friday, the teams from Williams and Cadillac violated the curfew rules.
Antonelli: The rivalry with Lewis will be the fiercest.
Kimi Antonelli continues to lead in the individual standings, while Mercedes confidently tops the Constructors' Cup, and although Ferrari is gradually gaining momentum, the Italian driver believes in his team...