F1 pundit Davide Valsecchi believes Kimi Antonelli is on the identical “trajectory” as Oscar Piastri.
Antonelli scored his maiden F1 podium end final day out on the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Italian completed third in Montreal, turning into the third-youngest podium finisher within the sport’s historical past.
Antonelli’s rookie season hasn’t been plain crusing with reliability points hampering his progress.
Antonelli additionally has the daunting process of going up towards George Russell, who has been certainly one of F1’s standout performers this yr.
Talking on the Pink Flags podcast, Valsecchi sees similarities between Antonelli and Piastri.
Piastri began his F1 profession with McLaren in 2023 and has steadily improved year-on-year.
The Australian sits prime of the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings in his third season, 22 factors forward of teammate Lando Norris.
“I do know that on this Method 1 most likely, to get there within the velocity in qualifying, you want to have a little bit of expertise, as a result of Piastri has proven that,” Valsecchi stated.
“That within the first yr, was not so aggressive and the second was higher and now he’s the perfect, or among the finest. So, the trajectory that he’s having is sort of spectacular and he’s the third youngest man being on [the] podium in Method 1. Meaning one thing.”
Antonelli has benefit being at Mercedes
Given the completely different pressures, Valsecchi feels that Antonelli has a bonus in being at Mercedes somewhat than Ferrari.
The Italian press is notoriously robust on Ferrari, with rumours swirling forward of the final race in Canada about workforce boss Fred Vasseur’s future.
“When the motive force just isn’t mature sufficient to be a world star, they’re already placing large stress [the Ferrari fans], after which come on. ‘Did you hear the interview from Kimi Antonelli, that he stated this and that?’ 16 years outdated, come on,” he added.
“Let him reside, you perceive what I imply? Working for one more workforce that’s international in Italy, for positive, has been an enormous benefit for Antonelli and I’m glad that he’s racing for Mercedes.”
