(Motorsport-Total.com) – Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli is currently the dominating topic in Formula 1: The 19-year-old Italian has made an almost perfect start to the new season with three wins from the first four races. He already leads the drivers’ championship by 20 points ahead of his teammate George Russell.
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“No, I did not expect that,” admits Antonelli after his third pole position and third career win in a row. A series with which he moves in spheres otherwise reserved only for greats like Mika Häkkinen, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. And the 19-year-old has even surpassed them by now.
“We are currently in a great phase,” assesses the championship leader the current form curve, but remains deliberately cautious about his title chances this year in the top class. “As I said, it is still a very long season, and a lot can still change.”
Antonelli wants to “get the maximum out every time”
“George Russell will certainly be very strong in Canada, he has always been very strong there, so he will surely be racing at the top again,” says Antonelli with a view to his currently biggest rival, ironically from his own team, who was considered a hot championship contender before the season started.
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But the strong start to the season has apparently had an effect on the Italian. “I feel much more comfortable in the car, I also have it much better under control,” explains the 19-year-old. “And I think we will just continue to give our best. I will try to get the maximum out every time I go on track.”
“Let’s see how it goes in Canada. Hopefully, we can repeat our performance from last weekend, but we will also see how the upgrades affect things,” says Antonelli and concludes with a clear commitment to the team: “I am really proud of the team and its performance and really enjoy the journey together.”
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