BREAKING: Kimi Antonelli Clears Up Misconceptions About Max Verstappen Following…read more
Kimi Antonelli Clears Up Misconceptions About Max Verstappen Ahead of Home Grand Prix
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has come to the defence of reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen, offering insight into the Red Bull driver’s personality away from the racetrack. Speaking ahead of his highly anticipated home debut at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the 18-year-old Italian revealed that Verstappen’s public image doesn’t reflect who he truly is off the track.
While Verstappen is known for his fierce, aggressive driving style — earning him a reputation as one of the most uncompromising competitors in Formula 1 — Antonelli says the Dutchman is far more approachable and down-to-earth in private.
“I think sometimes people have the wrong idea about Max,” Antonelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “On the track he is a beast, but off the track he is a very likeable guy. He likes GT racing and simulator racing a lot, so we have a lot in common.”
The pair, often seen together in the paddock, share a passion for virtual racing and sim-based competitions, which has helped forge a bond between the rising Mercedes star and the established Red Bull icon.
A Rising Star Ready for the Spotlight
Antonelli heads into his first home race at Imola with momentum on his side. The young driver made history in Miami by becoming the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history in any qualifying format and currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings in what has been a sensational rookie season.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix marks a particularly emotional milestone for the Bologna-born driver, who will race in front of a passionate home crowd filled with familiar faces.
“My family, best friends, and classmates will all be there,” Antonelli said. “Since I can’t always visit them during the season, I thought it would be better to bring them to the track instead.”
Following in Verstappen’s Footsteps?
Just as Verstappen exploded onto the F1 scene as a teenage prodigy, Antonelli is quickly establishing himself as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents. While Verstappen has already etched his name into the history books as a generational talent, Antonelli is aiming to follow a similar trajectory — with growing support from fans and peers alike.
As the spotlight intensifies around him in Imola, Antonelli’s admiration for Verstappen serves as both a nod to his respect for the reigning champion and a glimpse into the camaraderie that can exist in a sport often defined by fierce rivalries.
The message from the Mercedes rookie is clear: behind the visor, even F1’s fiercest competitors can be misunderstood — and Max Verstappen is more than just a relentless racer.
