Italian pride
The two consecutive victories by Kimi Antonelli in China and Japan they put the Italy of motorsport in a position in which it was no longer used to being: with its own representative leader of the Formula 1 World Championship. Usually our local motoring enthusiasts, but also ‘occasional’ spectators, were used to listen to Mameli’s anthem only for Ferrari’s successes. Now this is no longer the case. Furthermore, given the evident technical superiority that Mercedes has compared to the competition, it is reasonable to think that Antonelli, maintaining this level of performance, can really aim to play his cards to the hilt with a view to the world title.
But at this point a question arises: a young talent like Antonelli as he is seen on the other side of the English Channel, by those Englishmen who in F1 are used to dealing with the teams and also with the drivers and who probably were they already anticipating George Russell’s ride towards winning the World Championship without any particular hitches? One might say well, listening to the kind words said for Antonelli by the much appreciated commentator of Sky UK David Croftwhich has been commentating on F1 GPs for years on English satellite TV.
Croft’s analysis and applause for Kimi
In an analysis video published on the social channels of SkyCroft has applauded Antonelli’s race conduct and his speedrecognizing what it was like significantly faster than Russell and how even without the intervention of the Safety Car – which certainly worked in his favor – he would still have been able to play his cards to conquer the top step of the podium.
“In the free practice sessions I had the feeling that Kimi had one, two, sometimes three tenths ahead of George – explained Croft to Sky – George’s problems were certainly not helped by a set-up that gave him a less than ideal rear end, and this showed in qualifying. I think this was also felt in the race, but other than that Kimi Antonelli – apart from the start – was absolutely superb in the race. Then he also admitted that the departure was his fault. He released the clutch a little too often, the tires were cold and the wheels skidded. To come back from sixth place at the end of the first lap and then win was absolutely fantastic, with or without the Safety Car. He was the fastest on track when the Safety Car came in and I believe that he would still have put a lot of pressure on his teammate and also on Oscar Piastri. Once he gained that confidence it was like he had an edge over the others, something that gives you a tenth or two more and I think that’s what we saw this weekend.”Croft concluded.
