Antonelli: Hamilton and Verstappen Both Deserved 2021 Title

Andrea Kimi Antonelli may be young, but his perspective on two Formula 1 legends is already remarkably mature. The Mercedes driver admits he has learned a lot from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, especially from their fierce battle in 2021. In an exclusive interview with FormulaPassion, Antonelli said both deserved to be world champions.

Antonelli, now fighting at the front, revealed one quality he admires most from the two rivals. “One thing I learned from them is not to be too influenced by external opinions, by people who don't know you and just criticize without being constructive,” he said. He also learned not to be afraid of making mistakes.

But there is one thing he wants to achieve: full awareness of his own potential and what the car can do in any condition. “They always know what they can get from the car. That's a beautiful thing and hard to achieve,” added the Italian. He believes such confidence comes with victories and experience.

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The 2021 season showed Hamilton and Verstappen performing at a different level. Although Verstappen eventually took the title, Antonelli—who was inside the Mercedes academy at the time—felt the pain of his team's defeat. However, as a fan of the sport, he thinks both were worthy. “From a spectator's point of view, it was an incredible championship. The ending was painful for us at Mercedes, but looking at the whole season, they both deserved to win. They were amazing, far ahead of the rest,” he recalled.

Antonelli was also impressed by their uncompromising racing style. “They raced as if it were their last race. All or nothing. As a driver, that's very motivating to watch,” he concluded.

With his talent, many believe Antonelli will soon experience such intense competition. And if he keeps developing, he might become part of the next epic duel.