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Otmar Szafnauer has seen how Kimi Antonelli is coping behind the scenes with the pressure of being in a Formula 1 title fight.
At the age of just 19, Antonelli is looking to become the youngest driver in history to win the F1 world championship.
After finishing second in Melbourne, Antonelli has secured three victories in a row in Shanghai, Suzuka and Miami.
Following his victory in Miami, Antonelli now leads George Russell by 20 points at the top of the world championship standings.
As the season continues, the pressure on Antonelli will only increase as history beckons for the teenager.
Fill in the gap: Kimi Antonelli will win _ world championships in his career
Otmar Szafnauer on how Kimi Antonelli is coping with F1 title pressure behind the scenes
Speaking recently on the High Performance Racing podcast, ex-Alpine and Aston Martin team boss Szafnauer has revealed how Antonelli is behind the scenes.
The former Force India team principal stated that Antonelli is ‘grounded’ and ‘respectful’, which could be vital as he chases the F1 world title.
Szafnauer said: “From what I could see in the paddock and being in the Mercedes hospitality when he’s there. It seems he’s a grounded young man anyway.
“His family are there with him. I don’t know how old his sister is; my guess is 11, 12, in that region. He’s respectful to his sister.
“He is well brought up from what I could see, and I think that goes a long way to keep your feet on the ground, and he’s got that.”
Prior to the Miami Grand Prix, it was reported that Antonelli wants to surround himself with people he trusts.
As a result, he decided to fly his whole family out to Miami, in a bid to ease the pressure on him away from the track.
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Otmar Szafnauer says Mercedes have to treat Kimi Antonelli and George Russell ‘equally’
Toto Wolff is no stranger to his drivers going head-to-head for a world title, having dealt with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s dramatic 2016 battle.
When asked how Mercedes can make sure the environment is perfect for their drivers to perform, Szafnauer said: “You have to treat them both equally and with due respect.
“You set the rules of engagement together and before the season starts. Everyone knows what the expectations are and everyone’s agreed to them. If you do that, and the team follow those rules, that’s it.”
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