14/05/2025 08:23
Kimi Antonelli has defended Max Verstappen, explaining that "people
have the wrong idea" about the Red Bull driver. The Dutchman has
proven a divisive figure during his decade in F1, but Antonelli
insists he is a "very likeable guy" off the track. Known for his
uncompromising and aggressive brand of racing, the four-time
drivers' champion continues to polarise, but evidently has a
different relationship with many of his peers away from the rigours
of F1. Ahead of his first home grand prix, at Imola, the Mercedes
rookie detailed some of the interests the pair share, with it
having been noted they are often seen together in the F1 paddock.
"I think sometimes people have the wrong idea about Max," the
18-year-old told Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport . "On
the track he is a beast but off the track he is a very likeable
guy. He likes GT and racing on the simulator a lot, so we have a
lot in common." Big support at Imola Verstappen was a teenage
phenom, Antonelli is now. The former has become a generational
talent, whilst the latter hopes to follow in those footsteps. The
early signs have been promising, with the Italian driver being one
of the current F1 campaign's revelations. He will head into the
round at Imola fresh off the back of becoming the youngest
pole-sitter in the championship's history (in any qualifying
format), and will be heavily supported in front of his home crowd,
having grown up in nearby Bologna. "My family, best friends and
classmates," Antonelli explained when asked who would be in
attendance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. "Since I cannot come
to them, I thought it would be better to let them come to the track
then."
