Kimi Antonelli acknowledged that he carries additional pressure for being Italian in Formula 1, but stated that he intends to turn this demand into motivation. The country has not had a driver champion in the category since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
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In an interview with sponsors, Antonelli was asked about the meaning of the number 73 and initially did not understand the reference. After receiving the hint that it was the period since the last Italian title, the driver quickly associated the number with Ascari.
“Ah! Italian driver. Since the last Italian world champion, Alberto Ascari. Yes, of course. Ok, ok,” Antonelli replied upon understanding the question. Ascari won the titles in 1952 and 1953, remaining the last Italian to win the drivers’ championship.
The expectation around Antonelli is also related to the passion of Italian fans and the historical weight of the country in F1. The young driver acknowledged that this combination increases the pressure, especially because Italians can quickly raise their expectations: “Of course that comes with a bit of extra pressure, but I have been enjoying it,” he said.
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Instead of trying to distance himself from this responsibility, Antonelli explained that he is working to change his perception of pressure: “What I have also been trying to do is embrace the pressure and really try to shine under pressure,” he added.
The Italian considers that this pressure can be seen positively, especially when it represents the expectation that he is capable of achieving great results: “I have seen it as something positive, not negative. I feel that when you are under pressure, it means you know you can do something very good, and if you succeed, it is also very satisfying,” Antonelli concluded.
Thus, while Italy continues to wait for a new world drivers’ champion after 73 years, Antonelli shows no intention of avoiding the weight of this history. The young driver prefers to face the expectation as an opportunity to show his potential in Formula 1.
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