With his second consecutive victory, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest World Championship leader ever. Thanks to his triumph in Japan, the 19-year-old Italian enjoys a nine-point lead over teammate George Russell. The question now is whether the teenager can withstand the pressure of a title fight. Juan Pablo Montoya fears that Antonelli will sooner or later have to yield to the more experienced competition; the Mercedes driver is said to be simply too young.
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During the Chinese GP, Kimi Antonelli was supreme from pole position. Apart from a few minor flaws, he secured a convincing first victory in Formula 1. In Japan, he immediately added a new win to that. After starting from pole position again, he initially lost a lot of ground. However, he benefited from a safety car phase and managed to secure a second triumph after all. With that, he also took over the lead in the drivers’ standings from teammate George Russell. The question is whether a new title fight will erupt within the Mercedes ranks.
Hunter and prey
Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya fears not. In an interview with a gambling platform, the Colombian explained that Antonelli is still too young. “I don’t think Antonelli will become world champion,” he stated when asked.
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“When he realizes he is leading the championship, I think the pressure will become too much for him. He is still very young and has never experienced anything like this,” he explained. “In addition, it is much easier to be the hunter than the prey,” Montoya said, referring to Russell’s role. “As the prey, you easily lose control and then you start making mistakes.”
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