Andrea Kimi Antonelli hopes that in the future he can participate in an endurance race together with Max Verstappen. That wish is not entirely unrealistic, as the young Italian has a background in the GT world. Additionally, Verstappen is also active in that class with his own GT3 team that drives a Mercedes car. “It would be truly insane,” Antonelli emphasizes.
Read more VIDEO | Leclerc copies Verstappen’s preparation, plays Mario Kart on steering wheel
Several names have already been mentioned who could potentially drive in an endurance race with Max Verstappen one day. Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s name was not yet among them, but the Mercedes driver is now adding himself to that list. That list includes Fernando Alonso and Nyck de Vries, among others. “I would love to do an endurance race with Max. That would be really super cool,” Antonelli tells the media in the Shanghai paddock.
‘Passion’
Not only Verstappen is interested in the GT class, as Antonelli also has this ambition. “It would be truly insane. We both have a passion for GT cars and that makes it so cool,” says the 19-year-old Italian. That love for the class doesn’t come out of nowhere. His father – Marco Antonelli – runs his own GT team. “I go testing sometimes, when possible.”
Read more Piastri pessimistic for McLaren: ‘Gap to Mercedes is very large’
That dream has been on the Mercedes driver’s mind for some time. “I’ve thought about this more often. We would make a very cool duo. I would really like to drive an endurance race with him in the future.” That Verstappen enjoys these types of races is evident from his participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring later this year. “That will be a very beautiful event and I will definitely watch,” Antonelli indicates.
Just like Verstappen, Antonelli wants to start small. “I’ve already asked if I can do a test on the Nordschleife, because I love that circuit. I would find it insane to experience that circuit one day,” the Italian states. To be able to participate in certain endurance races, a special license is required. Verstappen already obtained that so-called A-license last year, but Antonelli does not yet possess it. To obtain it, he will first have to complete more test kilometers and gain experience.
Read more Russell calls Ferrari ‘selfish’: ‘Opposing race start change’
Read everything about the Chinese GP here
