1, as we know, constantly places drivers in the spotlight. They can receive praise and compliments for their on-track performances, but at the same time, if their speed falters, they are quickly met with criticism. This is the case with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has come under scrutiny from a former F1 driver who, comparing the Italian to George Russell, has no doubts: the 63 is on another planet.
At the start of the season, or even last year when Mercedes announced him as an official driver, there were many skeptics. A driver so young, just eighteen years old, after only one year in Formula 2, moving up to the highest category to race for one of the most competitive teams, replacing Lewis Hamilton, was seen as a risk that Toto Wolff was willing to take.
Looking at the current situation, we can say that it was the right decision. Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already shown a lot. Fourth place on debut under the tough conditions in Melbourne, consistently in the top 6 in subsequent races. His apprenticeship with a Formula 1 car reached its peak, for now, in Miami.
During qualifying for the Sprint Race, the Bologna-born driver achieved an incredible pole position. The two races, as expected, went a little differently. It was here that once again the experience of “veteran” George Russell emerged, who forcefully took yet another podium finish of the season.
It is precisely on the comparison between the two teammates that former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert commented. Interviewed on the AceOdds podcast, he admitted: “Russell is giving his all this season. I love his attitude and confidence. Many find him arrogant, but all the best drivers in the world are. You need a bit of that to succeed on track.”
“Am I surprised by George’s speed? Of course not. He is showing everyone his potential, which many didn’t take seriously. He is doing all this with Antonelli alongside him, who, as it is clear, is supported by Toto Wolff. There’s a difference of at least three tenths between the two: it’s impressive to see such a gap between teammates.”
“Yes, I understand that it’s Kimi’s first season. But we must say that last year he did thousands of kilometers, so he was more than ready to get in the car and keep up with George.”
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