Max Verstappen is impressed by the performances of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes driver is the youngest championship leader ever after the Japanese GP, and Verstappen hopes the Italian can maintain his form in his first title hunt. ‘I think it is also great for Italy to have a driver who performs well,’ said the Dutch world champion.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the second youngest Grand Prix winner in Formula 1 during the Chinese GP. The driver who still holds the record, Max Verstappen, is impressed by the performances of the Mercedes driver, who can now also call himself the youngest championship leader ever.
“There certainly aren’t many drivers who can deliver at that age,” Verstappen said in Montréal. “Of course, it is still very early in the season, so he has to keep repeating it weekend after weekend. But he is a very naturally talented driver and it’s nice to see him doing so well. I think it is also great for Italy to have a driver who performs well. I also hope for him that he can maintain this and make a great chance at the title.”
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The four-time world champion was also asked if he has advice for young Kimi Antonelli on how to deal with the pressure of a possible title fight. “He just has to do it his own way. Everyone is different. So what works for me might not work for him,” said Verstappen. “We talk about things here and there sometimes.”
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Verstappen also briefly reflected on the upcoming race weekend in Montréal. The Red Bull driver hopes to be involved again in the fight at the front of the grid at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “I think Miami was generally a big step forward for us, but every weekend remains a bit of a development race, depending on what the other teams have in store,” the Dutchman said honestly. “(Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, ed.) is a completely different layout. There will still be some surprises and things we need to master, but I hope to be close to the top three again.”
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