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Riccardo Patrese has claimed that Kimi Antonelli is going to ‘infinity and beyond’ after equalling an Italian Formula 1 record.
On Sunday, Antonelli won the Miami Grand Prix to extend his lead at the top of the world championship standings.
The young Italian took the chequered flag ahead of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with Mercedes teammate and title rival George Russell finishing in fourth place.
As a result, Antonelli now leads Russell by 20 points ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, which will take place later in the month.
By winning in Miami, Antonelli has now equalled Patrese’s record of securing three consecutive pole positions and also became the first Italian driver to win three races in a row since Alberto Ascari.
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Riccardo Patrese says Kimi Antonelli is going to ‘infinity and beyond’
Speaking recently to QN, Patrese claimed that Antonelli will not be satisfied with his current form and is set to go to ‘infinity and beyond’.
Patrese said: “At this point, Kimi won’t be satisfied with equaling my record of three consecutive poles or Ciccio Ascari’s three consecutive F1 victories. Like in that movie—I think it was called Toy Story—he’s now hurtling toward infinity and beyond.
“And in fact, I’m not at all surprised. A year ago, I got publicly angry when people in the garage went around saying that Toto Wolff had made a mistake in putting the kid in Hamilton’s place.
“They said that Mercedes had gone too far, that Kimi should have matured in a smaller team, like Williams, etc.
“They didn’t understand! I’ve maintained from the start that Antonelli has a natural instinct for speed. What he does is the result of his talent. Bravo to those who bet on him.”
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Although the season is only four races old, Patrese is already convinced that Antonelli is the man to beat.
The former Brabham, Williams and Benetton driver stated that Antonelli is giving Russell a ‘hard time’.
Patrese said: “He’s giving Russell a hard time, even though he’s driving the same car. I imagine George is feeling a healthy amount of concern. Perhaps he thought his greater experience was an advantage. Well, he has to think again.
“Besides, Kimi learns quickly from mistakes; he still makes them, but they’re small things, like violating track limits on Saturday. He’s very mature in managing his emotions, and that counts too.”
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