Kimi Antonelli has beaten team-mate George Russell in China and celebrated a victory – but the Italian still shows weaknesses in a direct comparison with Mercedes
For all critics of Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli, one thing is certain: the 19-year-old Italian won the Chinese Grand Prix because team-mate George Russell struggled with technical problems in qualifying and had to concentrate on the two Ferrari drivers in the race.
But the Brit is actually the better Mercedes driver, isn’t he? An assumption that even Andrea Kimi Antonelli himself cannot completely dismiss. “I’m happy with the W17, but there is still room for improvement to get a better grip on it,” admits the 19-year-old Italian openly after his Formula 1 debut victory.
What does his more experienced team-mate currently do better than Antonelli? “George finds the right balance in battery management a little quicker than I do because I still act instinctively, and you can’t afford to do that with these engines,” admits the Mercedes youngster.
Kimi Antonelli lacks Formula 1 experience
“That’s why I sometimes struggled a bit compared to George. But the car feels good.” His debut victory in China should therefore not be a one-off sensation, but the start of a successful season. “These days help you to become more aware of your abilities and potential.”
“They give you more self-confidence,” emphasizes Antonelli, who also remains realistic: “Beating George is very difficult. It will take a lot of work to get a chance, but I think the first win will take the pressure off in a way.”
Nevertheless, Russell is still considered the favorite to win this year’s world title – and not without reason. “Another area where I still have a lot to learn? Experience,” says Antonelli, who has only just started his second season in the premier class.
Kimi Antonelli is currently making too many mistakes
His British team-mate, on the other hand, is already in his eighth season, which gives him a clear advantage. “It means bringing everything together at the crucial moment and minimizing mistakes as much as possible,” emphasizes Antonelli.
The 19-year-old did not remain error-free on the first two race weekends: a serious accident in the third Australian practice session was followed by a slip-up in qualifying, and the Mercedes driver also allowed himself a costly mistake after the start in the China sprint. These little things could end up being costly.
“Experience plays a crucial role because it allows you to control the situation in all conditions: Even if you’re in trouble, you quickly find a way out,” added the Italian, who also made a heavy braking mistake in the closing stages of the China Grand Prix.
“But I want to make the most of my opportunities,” emphasized Antonelli confidently. “I said at the beginning of the year that I would try to be as well prepared as possible, because this is an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often.”
