4-time Formulation 1 world champion Max Verstappen has praised Kimi Antonelli for the “nice qualities” he believes mark the Mercedes rookie out as a future star.
Antonelli, 18, made his highly-anticipated F1 debut with Mercedes this season and has already drawn comparisons with Verstappen’s personal meteoric rise by the ranks.
After securing a shock pole within the Miami dash qualifying final month, Antonelli delivered one other composed drive in Canada to complete third, finishing a double podium for Mercedes alongside team-mate George Russell.
The consequence made him the third-youngest podium finisher in F1 historical past, behind solely Verstappen and present Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll.
Verstappen, who has saved an eye fixed on Antonelli since their karting days, believes the Italian is just not solely inherently fast but in addition mature past his age.
“For me, it’s not a shock,” he was quoted by Motorsport Week. “I knew Kimi arising by the karting ranks – folks had been already saying nice issues [about him]. So I used to be keeping track of him.
“What’s spectacular is he’s naturally fast. What I like is his level-headed [and] calm method. These are nice qualities to have. I used to be by no means doubtful that the rostrum would come this yr.
“He had a number of unfortunate races – considered one of them within the Dash was additionally my fault with the pit cease. However it was only a matter of time.
“I’m very completely happy that it occurred for him. It offers you extra confidence. It’s a pleasant enhance. And it’ll solely get higher. You’re in your rookie season – there’s so many issues that can come at you. You be taught from the weaker races, you be taught from the nice ones.
“Within the coming years, for certain, we’ll see much more of Kimi.”
Antonelli described Verstappen as a job mannequin for him, having been impressed by the success he has achieved with Purple Bull in F1.
“Racing in F1 with the 19 different finest drivers on the grid offers you a number of motivation,” he mentioned “Having the prospect to race at your finest and present what you’re able to is a good enhance.
“After all, seeing what Max has completed through the years, particularly in his rookie years, was fairly astonishing. So positively he’s a mannequin who I get impressed by. However on the finish, racing in opposition to the most effective is a good likelihood.”
