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F1 pundit Davide Valsecchi believes Kimi Antonelli is on the identical “trajectory” as Oscar Piastri.
Antonelli scored his maiden F1 podium end final trip on the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Italian completed third in Montreal, changing 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 job of going up towards George Russell, who has been one among F1’s standout performers this 12 months.
Talking on the Purple 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 high of the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings in his third season, 22 factors forward of teammate Lando Norris.
“I do know that on this Components 1 in all probability, to get there within the pace in qualifying, it’s worthwhile to have a little bit of expertise, as a result of Piastri has proven that,” Valsecchi stated.
“That within the first 12 months, was not so aggressive and the second was higher and now he’s one of the best, or probably the greatest. So, the trajectory that he’s having is kind of spectacular and he’s the third youngest man being on [the] podium in Components 1. Which means 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 powerful on Ferrari, with rumours swirling forward of the final race in Canada about crew boss Fred Vasseur’s future.
“When the driving force isn’t mature sufficient to be a world star, they’re already placing big strain [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 ‘Did you hear the interview from Kimi Antonelli, that he stated this and that?’ 16 years outdated, come on,” he added.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 crew that’s international in Italy, for certain, has been an enormous benefit for Antonelli and I’m glad that he’s racing for Mercedes.”
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