Antonelli is returning to Japan, but it's "too early in the championship to think about the title".

Winner for the second consecutive time after China, Andrea Kimi Antonelli triumphed in Japan after securing pole position. This victory makes the Mercedes driver the youngest leader of a world championship.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli This confirms that he is already on par with his teammate, George Russell, at the start of the new regulations. On the demanding Suzuka circuit in Japan, the Italian converted his pole position into a victory, his second consecutive win after his success in China, his first in the sport. This performance propels him to the top of the championship, making him the youngest driver in history to lead it.

"That's very pleasing! It's still too early in the championship to think about the title, but we're on the right track!" the Italian smiled Mercedes Benz. I had a disastrous start; I really need to review what happened. Then I was lucky with the safety car to regain the lead, but our pace was incredible. I felt very good with the car, and the second stint was amazing. » Despite this success, Antonelli does not hide the areas for improvement, particularly in a key area of ​​racing: starts. "I'll have three weeks to practice again with the clutch paddle, but it's clearly been a weakness since the start of the year. We need to improve on this, because you can win or lose races because of it."

A clear-headedness that contrasts with his effectiveness on the track. Because once back in the lead, the Mercedes driver set a pace that was difficult to follow. “On the medium tires, we were very fast as soon as we got into the open air, and then on the hard tires, the pace was also incredible. I don't know what would have happened without that event, that safety car, but it clearly made things easier for me!”

Although aided by a timely safety car, his victory was nonetheless built on a solid foundation: a car High performance and masterful race management. Two ingredients that have allowed him to take the lead in the championship, where no one expected him to do so so soon. The question is whether he will be able to maintain this pace throughout the season, or if developments will allow him to Classic Ferrari for sale et McLaren to come back.

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