Lewis Hamilton does not think he can take a huge bite out of the lead of championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the Italian Grand Prix. The young Italian starts his home race from the back of the grid due to grid penalties, but according to the seven-time world champion, the Mercedes driver will overtake the midfield. “An eighth or even sixth place should definitely be possible for him,” Hamilton estimates.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli starts his home race in Italy at the back of the grid. Although qualifying still has to take place, Mercedes has decided to give the young Italian new engine components. As a result, Kimi Antonelli will face grid penalties during the race on Sunday. A perfect opportunity for Lewis Hamilton – who currently shares second place in the championship with George Russell – to catch up with the championship leader.
Still, the British veteran does not expect the young driver to leave Italy completely pointless. “Even when Kimi starts from the back of the grid this weekend, he will overtake the cars in the midfield with the dominant Mercedes,” he predicts during the press conference. “An eighth or even sixth place should therefore be possible. We will mainly focus on getting everything out of the Ferrari this weekend. The support of the tifosi will also help with our fight at the front of the field.”
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‘In Italy, it’s all about: the pope, Ferrari, pasta and pizza’
Kimi Antonelli is the only Italian on the current grid. Many tifosi therefore hope to one day see their compatriot driving for national pride Ferrari. “Anything is possible,” Hamilton answers when asked about a future move for his Italian successor at Mercedes. “There are many great drivers who could join Ferrari in the future. In Italy, it’s all about the pope, Ferrari, pasta and pizza. But Toto (Wolff, ed.) is not letting Kimi go at Mercedes for now.”
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