Man, I gotta tell ya. Sometimes I find myself just thinking about these young racers. Like, take Kimi Antonelli, for example. So, here’s this guy, looking up to Max Verstappen like he’s the second coming or something. I mean, who wouldn’t, right? Verstappen hit the F1 scene at 17, zipping around like he owned the track. Imagine being that age. I was probably… watching TV or something.
Alright, so Verstappen’s all about speed. He gets his start with Toro Rosso, bags some points, and bam! He’s on Red Bull, winning straight out the gate as an 18-year-old. If that’s not wild, I don’t know what is. Antonelli’s in awe, no surprise there. I guess we all kinda look for someone to emulate? Maybe. That first podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix? Big deal for Antonelli. Does it take me back to my first big moment in… well, I’m not into racing, so never mind.
Verstappen didn’t snag a podium immediately with Toro Rosso, but who cares? The dude held his own against legends like Fernando Alonso, which is like playing ball with, I dunno, Jordan or something. Anyway — wait, where was I? Yeah, Verstappen’s early days really impressed Antonelli. It’s like getting a front-row seat to your favorite band before they hit it big.
Antonelli’s pumped, saying something about the adrenaline rush of F1 racing with the top racers. Max inspired him, yadda yadda. But, oh! Then there’s George Russell. This guy’s Anthony’s teammate and apparently, he’s been a real pal, helping out Antonelli with tips or whatever. Those lessons must’ve helped ‘cause Antonelli hit that first podium when Russell snagged a win in Montreal for Mercedes.
Now, Verstappen, he’s not shocked. He’s been watching Antonelli, like that cool uncle who’s also kinda competitive. Says Antonelli’s quick by nature and super chill. Those are qualities I’d probably wanna have if I was tearing around tracks at mind-numbing speeds. Verstappen knew Antonelli’d get a podium. I think he even blamed himself for a mess-up at the Miami Sprint. But hey, everyone has rough days, right?
Oh boy, rookie seasons gotta be something else. With all that pressure and learning curves. According to Max, Antonelli’s got loads ahead of him. And knowing the kid’s luck, there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing him take more podiums. If racing was my thing, I’d probably be just as curious about what comes next.
