Kimi Antonelli says the reception from tifosi ultimately weekend’s Italian Grand Prix spurred him on, as hypothesis continues over whether or not the younger Mercedes driver may at some point change to Ferrari.
The 20-year-old title-leader put up a sensational efficiency on the ‘Temple of Velocity’, recovering from an engine change grid penalty to take victory forward of teammate George Russell.
Antonelli’s very good race was met with appreciation from the partisan crowd, that was, in fact, cheering for a Ferrari victory.
It has been 17 years since Ferrari has had its personal Italian F1 driver, when Giancarlo Fisichella signed as much as cowl the injured Felipe Massa. And the Scuderia should return 34 years since its final full-time residence driver, when it signed Ivan Capelli for the 1992 season.
Talking to automoto.it, the Bologna-born driver mentioned the environment at Monza had been a uncommon excessive level of his season, describing his residence podium as probably the most lovely of the yr.
He mentioned listening to the gang sing the Italian anthem and chant his identify in unison had given him goosebumps, and that the gang’s power “gave me the push to attempt to do even higher.”
Ferrari ‘ought to have completed the job years in the past’
The consequence has inevitably reignited discuss of whether or not Antonelli may ultimately make the transfer to Ferrari, a change that will include intense scrutiny given his nationality.
For now, the driving force was eager to close that hypothesis down, stressing his loyalty to the workforce that has backed him since he was a pre-teen. He mentioned Mercedes had proven religion in him from the age of 12 and had guided his improvement ever since, including that he hopes to ship extra success for the workforce going ahead.
Pressed additional, Antonelli didn’t totally shut the door on a future transfer however mentioned his present focus was on profitable as a lot as attainable with Mercedes.
Workforce Principal Toto Wolff addressed the Ferrari curiosity straight when requested by Belgian outlet RTBF, acknowledging that the Scuderia’s admiration for the championship chief was well-known.
He argued the timing was telling, noting: “Ferrari ought to have completed the job six or seven years in the past” fairly than solely now recognising Antonelli’s expertise, who has pushed for Mercedes’ junior programme since he was 11. Wolff added that Ferrari would inevitably do all it may to safe an Italian driver.
For now, each driver and workforce are presenting a united entrance — however with Antonelli main the championship and Ferrari’s curiosity an open secret, the story is unlikely to go away.
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