Only 19 years old, the youngest pole position holder in the history of Formula 1, and now also a Grand Prix winner. Kimi Antonelli is the first Italian in twenty years to reach the top step of the F1 podium. “I am speechless,” he says, visibly moved. “I am on the verge of bursting into tears.”
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In Shanghai, Antonelli shows that he is ready for the big leagues. A pole, a dominant race, and in the closing stages, nerves that flared up for a moment. “I wanted to bring Italy back to the top, and today I succeeded! Although I did give myself a heart attack when I locked up in the closing stages.”
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Because now that the first victory is a fact, more beckons. Is he at the start of a title race with teammate George Russell? “This is only the beginning and George is a great driver and strong in all aspects. So it takes a lot to be able to beat him. On the other hand, this is also a great opportunity for me, because I learn a lot from him. But I just focus race by race and then we’ll see where we stand at the end of the season.”
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