MOTORSPORT – Kimi Antonelli holds the top spot in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings, but the youngster appears to hold no illusions that he and Mercedes will run away from the pack.
Antonelli spoke to reporters on Thursday ahead of the Miami Grand Prix and predicted a close battle when the rubber hits the road tomorrow.
“It’s going to be a very interesting weekend for us,” the 19-year-old Italian said. “Let’s see how we do. For sure, (our rivals are) going to get closer, and we might have to fight quite a bit more this weekend, but we’ll do our best and we’re going to keep our heads down.
“On my side, I’m going to try to maximise the performance in the car, I’m going to do my best and we’ll see what the result will be.”
Antonelli swept the F1’s two-race stay in Asia, winning the Chinese Grand Prix and Japanese Grand Prix after earning pole position both times.
That came after Mercedes teammate George Russell opened the season by capturing the Australian Grand Prix. Antonelli and Russell are 1-2 in the drivers’ standings, with Russell only nine points off the pace.
Antonelli said Mercedes has been clear with both drivers about how they’re expected to handle themselves as they jostle for a championship.
“They said we can race each other, but obviously with respect, not doing any stupid things between each other,” Antonelli said.
“At the end of the day... We race for each other, we want to win, we want to be the best, but at the same time we want the best for the team as well. Me and George are very well aware that we can race each other, but with respect, and without trying to do any stupid things.
“The team has given us the green light, because they want to give both of us the same opportunity. They said we can race each other, but just be clean.”
Meanwhile, Russell said he is treating his battle for world championship with Antonelli like a marathon.
“It made me think – the guy who’s running the London Marathon after three miles isn’t thinking about the finish line because he’s got 23 miles to go. We’re in race four of the season so it’s not even a consideration,” Russell said yesterday.
“Of course (Kimi)’s done an amazing job so far this year. The last race was a little bit unfortunate from my side but these things go one way one weekend and swing back later in the year. I’m experienced enough to know how a Championship works and there’s a long way ahead.”
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