Patrese celebrates his fellow Italian
Former driver Riccardo Patrese has praised Andrea Kimi Antonelli after the Italian’s first Formula 1 victory in China, sparking curiosity ahead of Suzuka to see if he can replicate his strong pace on a track where he particularly shone during the final laps of last year’s race.
Among those celebrating Antonelli’s first F1 success is the legendary ex-driver Patrese. “A year ago, when everyone criticized Kimi Antonelli saying he was too young and wondering why Toto Wolff had chosen him, I replied that he just needed time,” Riccardo Patrese told Grosvenor Casino. “I have known him since he was a kid, racing in karts. He is a great friend of mine and my family, and I knew he was talented and would make it. I was right to say we had to wait at least a year to let him adapt to Formula 1.”
Patrese praises Antonelli’s rapid development
“Now everything is going very well,” Riccardo Patrese continued. “After the first two races, he is right there, close to George Russell, because he learns very quickly. Ever since his karting days, he has been used to pressure. Even in the world karting championship, the pressure is extremely high. He can handle the pressure of competing in Formula 1. He is accustomed to having expectations on his shoulders. Therefore, he can be a contender for the World Championship. Probably now George Russell won’t be able to sleep because he will be thinking about Kimi.”
Riccardo Patrese’s insights suggest that the honeymoon period for the Mercedes driver pairing is officially over. While George Russell has long been seen as the natural successor to lead the team, Antonelli’s immediate success has transformed the 2026 title race into a generational clash. Based on the content of his debut win, the Italian sensation has the psychological resilience to turn George Russell’s leadership into a sleepless battle for supremacy.
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