Riccardo Ceccarelli offers an interesting perspective that goes beyond just the four-time world champion. The head of Formula Medicine and a renowned mental coach expands his analysis:
“Certainly Max, at this moment, is seeking enjoyment elsewhere, not in F1, to fuel his passion and desire to go fast. Choosing to compete in GT, on a track like the Nürburgring, is the ultimate challenge for a driver because we know how difficult that circuit is, not only due to its length but also its unique layout.”
“Max is therefore looking for demanding challenges, and I believe the disappointment over the disqualification was significant. I also think he enjoyed the satisfaction of proving he can win in any category, on any track, with any car. Verstappen is like this. He reminds me of Fernando Alonso when, disappointed by F1, he went to triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and tried to win the Indianapolis 500.”
In essence, drivers who have victory and speed in their blood seek other forms of satisfaction when disappointed: they need to feed their ego, and when they excel in other categories, it’s almost a statement: “I’m fast, even if I don’t have the best car.” This reasoning can also apply to Charles Leclerc, who, in a flying lap with the new agile cars, finds his performance limited by the effects of regulations that prevent him from going beyond the car’s capabilities.
It’s hoped that electronic systems controlling battery recharge will become more transparent, restoring drivers’ ability to dictate performance with their own talent. Driving under the current restrictions can be frustrating, and finding an alternative path becomes important.
“Yes, there’s a precedent: Robert Kubica sought his escape in rallying, and that choice cost him a great career. Robert, Alonso, and Verstappen are drivers who love to race, whether they are at the forefront in F1 or competing in a Sunday Ronde, like happened to the Polish driver.”
“These are drivers who love challenges and putting themselves to the test because they have tremendous self-confidence. Among those I’ve met personally, few have more self-confidence than these three. It’s something they have in their blood…”
“I include Max in this category of drivers. And let’s be honest, Verstappen’s GT choice began last year, so it’s not just a reaction to today’s F1—it shows his desire to test himself.”
The discussion about the three drivers is interesting, and perhaps a fourth name can be added. This brings us to Kimi Antonelli, who won his first F1 Grand Prix in China at just 19 years old. The Shanghai victory changed the Bolognese driver’s mindset and approach: he no longer talks about winning in Japan, but about feeling in contention for the championship. It’s a revolution in just ten days.
“To understand this, we must look at Kimi’s history: a young driver who has won in all categories and struggled only in F2 with a struggling team. Last year, he debuted in F1 with Mercedes, a top team car that immediately put him under the spotlight, but he had not won until China.”
The Italian has always been considered an exceptional talent.
“Last year, however, he served as Russell’s wingman. Intellectually, if you are an honest person, you question whether you have the same potential. An honest person challenges themselves until they achieve victory. At 19, he won his first Grand Prix, directly ahead of Russell, and secured pole position. He realized he can do it: if it worked once, it can happen 20 more times.”
“That boost of self-confidence comes directly from victories. And that’s what Kimi lacked until now. Now that he’s broken the ice, it would be absurd not to maintain the mindset that has always driven him to excel in every category. He was waiting for this moment, and now he can race lighter and with peace of mind.”
His role in the team changes: Antonelli is no longer the rookie but a potential winner of every Grand Prix.
“I think it’s natural, but now a psychological battle ignites between the two teammates: Kimi will want to prove he’s on Russell’s level, while George must show that a 19-year-old won’t threaten him. Looking back, I recall when Hamilton challenged Alonso in his first year at McLaren. The Spaniard couldn’t know that rookie Lewis would go on to win seven world championships.”
Is Russell now in the same situation as Fernando?
“George has the most to lose. Right now, Russell is the one under pressure, while Kimi is the goalkeeper. The Englishman is at risk, while Antonelli can approach it more calmly. He’s not obliged to win the title, and he can focus on individual races, whereas Russell is considered the favorite. It will be interesting to see how much pressure the two contenders must manage. The Bolognese driver has certainly changed: now, if he finishes second, he may consider it a defeat, whereas until recently it was a great result. Some frustration may arise: watching from outside is one thing, being in the car is another…”
Leave a Reply