Kimi Antonelli has two thoughts: Jannik Sinner and the world championship
Andrea Kimi Antonelli made Italy dream by winning the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, but he has his eyes wide open. And a week later, at the Japanese Grand Prix that Formula 1 will run in Suzuka, he intends to repeat himself. Not only that, the Bolognese prodigy admits he is already thinking about the race for the world championship title. Perhaps inspired by Jannik Sinner, who has wanted to thank him since his arrival on Japanese soil for the compliments the San Candido star reserved for him on the occasion of his first success at the wheel of the Mercedes.
“The goal is always to win the world championship,” Antonelli admitted bluntly upon his arrival in Suzuka. “It has to be that way, especially if the car you have is so competitive. You know you have a great opportunity on your hands. They have done a great job in Mercedes, both on the chassis and the engine. George Russell and I know we have a car at our disposal that is currently superior to the others. That said, beating George will not be easy. Especially since we both want to win, but we are also aiming for the constructors’ world championship.”
But Antonelli also wanted to recall the dedication that Sinner reserved for him in the moments just after winning the Indian Wells Masters 1000. “He had just won the tournament, and he dedicated his success to me. I really didn’t expect it, and it’s certainly the congratulatory message that impressed me the most,” the Mercedes driver confessed. And since it is a list that includes among others Valentino Rossi and Vasco Rossi, it is easy to understand how much the esteem of the South Tyrolean champion weighs for the young Formula 1 star.
“Today is a special day – he had moreover declared Sinner just after his victory in the final in Indian Wells -. I am a great fan of Formula 1, there is a young and fast Italian driver who has brought our flag high. Kimi Antonelli must be congratulated.”
Sinner had also written “Bravo Kimi” on one of the cameras surrounding the Indian Wells field. “His dedication surprised me. I really appreciated the message, it was a nice thought towards me and I wanted to thank him,” Antonelli had instead said upon arrival in Bologna after the success in Shanghai. A relationship of mutual esteem between the two that, therefore, continues and strengthens day after day.
