Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the youngest leader in the world championship ever with his victory in Japan. The second consecutive win for the 19-year-old driver came partly due to luck with the timing of the safety car, but foreign media agree that the Italian is already ready for a title fight. Kimi Antonelli’s Grand Prix victory therefore dominates the international media, which also reflects on the ‘terrifying’ crash of Oliver Bearman.
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In Italy, they are naturally proud of ‘their’ Kimi, the youngest leader in the world championship ever. “It is the magical moment of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who repeated his triumph in China at Suzuka and also took the lead in the world championship with the victory in Japan,” the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport begins.
The outlet saw their compatriot make history. “Italy has another leader in the most important motorsport and it is a leader who has written significant history, as he is only 19 years old. Never before has F1 had such a young championship leader. It is one of the many records this boy is ready to break. As soon as he got out of the car, a Usain Bolt-like celebration followed towards the main grandstand: this Kimi is truly lightning fast.”
‘As if he came back from the butcher by bike’
At the Belgian HLN, in addition to Kimi Antonelli’s pace, his ‘down-to-earthness’ was also noted. “As if he came home from the butcher by bike. And didn’t step out of an F1 car after his second victory,” according to the Belgian outlet. “Kimi Antonelli, nineteen years old. World star in the making. We already knew that. But now also, as we learned: a very cool customer.”
A bit further south, the focus was also mainly on the young age of the brand-new Grand Prix winner. “After his victory in China two weeks ago, he was ‘only’ the second youngest Grand Prix winner, behind Max Verstappen, but this time Kimi Antonelli has broken several records with his Japanese victory, which showed both control and success,” writes the French L’Équipe.
NOW ONLINE: 40 pages Race Special GP Japan: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
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Also The Guardian focuses on the triumphal march of the new world championship leader at Suzuka. Journalist Giles Richard – who was sent away by Max Verstappen on the Thursday before the race weekend – even saw the ‘hallmarks of a champion’ in Kimi Antonelli.
“While he had a bit of luck with his victory in the Japanese Grand Prix, the youngster impressively showed that he is ready to get the job done with the precision of a veteran as soon as he gets even a small chance,” he writes. “It is a hallmark of a champion that was appropriately expressed here. His pure, unbridled joy in fulfilling his undisputed talent and the pleasure he clearly takes in racing are nothing short of infectious.”
‘Terrifying moment’
The reporter also reflected on Oliver Bearman’s crash on lap 22 of the race. “A terrifying moment, when British driver Oliver Bearman had a heavy crash, from which he fortunately emerged virtually unscathed,” the British outlet reports. “The incident will lead to serious questions within the sport about the new rules.”
NOW ONLINE: 40 pages Race Special GP Japan: our online magazine with news, reactions, analysis, and interview!
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