Kimi Antonelli’s father has cautioned him about how quickly things can shift in F1, even during a strong run of results.
Antonelli Sr is keeping his son grounded after Kimi built up a 43-point lead over teammate George Russell. Marco believes it’s still too soon for Kimi to be seen as the dominant force in the sport.
Early into his second season, Antonelli became the first driver ever to win his first four races back-to-back. Already controlling the title race, he now has a real shot at becoming F1’s first teenage champion.
Antonelli’s Dad says F1 success can be ‘dangerous’
Marco Antonelli has cautioned his son about the pressures of the spotlight, suggesting that a single mistake could quickly shift public perception against him.
Kimi Antonelli’s father is doing what he can to keep his son focused, but recognises there are limits to how much influence he can have. He also knows that Mercedes’ early dominance may not last the whole season.
He believes it may even help Russell if other teams start closing the gap. If rivals start finishing between them, it could help narrow the points difference, though the same could happen in reverse.
“A job like winning the lottery, it’s crazy,” Marco Antonelli told F1-Insider. “It’s obviously a great moment – but also dangerous. Because now we’re at the very top. But one mistake and you’re down.
“Of course, we talk about it a lot, but in the end, every race is its own story. We have to work hard and take it step by step. He has to keep his feet on the ground. Because, as I said: one moment you’re the star and the next you’re the worst driver in the world.
“We are trying everything we can right now to help him cope. But then it’s also simply up to him to stay grounded and understand that it’s very difficult.
“We are still at the beginning of the world championship and the season is very long. Again, it is by no means certain that we will be in this position all year round. We have to take it one step at a time and get the maximum out of every race. Then we will see.”
Kimi Antonelli knows firsthand how quickly momentum can swing in Formula 1 after his rookie campaign last year began with five top-six finishes before he went through an extended point drought over ten races before finishing strong.
This time around, Kimi looks far more composed early on compared to his debut campaign but at some point throughout a long season most drivers hit a rough patch so how he handles that period will be key for him.
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