This is an AI-generated summary, which may contain errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Italian Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest leader at the age of 19 following his victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, taking the record away from Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who took his place at Mercedes.
SUZUKA, Japan – Young Italian, Kimi Antonelli said he wants to continue raising his level after making Formula One history with his victory in the Japan Grand Prix on Sunday, March 29.
The 19-year-old’s success on Sunday at Suzuka made him the sport’s youngest ever championship leader, taking the record from Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who replaced him at Mercedes.
Hamilton led the standings at the age of 22 in his rookie season in 2007.
Antonelli also became the first Italian to win back-to-back races in Formula One since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
“I don’t think too much about the championship,” said Antonelli, who only took his first Formula One win in China two weeks ago and left Japan, the third round of the season, with a nine-point lead over team-mate George Russell.
“It’s really good, but there’s still a long way to go.”
“I think we need to keep our heads down and keep raising the bar,” he added.
Antonelli, starting from pole, had dropped to sixth after a slow start.
A well-timed safety car, deployed in response to Haas racer Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash, allowed him to stop while his rivals, who had already raced under perfect racing conditions, were running at a slower pace.
Antonelli admitted the safety car had eased his way to victory but focused his scorching pace on hard tires in the second half of the race.
Minor gremlins also put teammate Russell, winner of the season opener in Australia, on the back foot for the second consecutive race weekend.
Had the Briton crashed but a lap later, he would have taken the lead. Instead he finished fourth.
“I think it’s clear that he’s a top-class driver, very strong, very accomplished,” Antonelli said of his teammate.
“I think he showed it many times last year, and that’s why it won’t be easy, and that’s why I need to do everything as perfectly as possible.” – Rappler.com
