In Japan we saw a very strong Andrea Kimi Antonelli, there is no doubt. The Mercedes driver's race pace surprised everyone, especially on a technical circuit like Suzuka, where you need a lot of confidence with your car. And so, Antonelli is demonstrating an extraordinary speed in adapting to the new context of Formula 1. A nice and very welcome surprise, both on the track and, progressively, at Fanta F1.
In Japan we have already seen a bit of the real Antonelli
The world of Formula 1 is eager to see the full expression of the potential and talent that Andrea Kimi Antonelli has in store. So are the Italian fans, who were largely disappointed by the performances put on display by Ferrari. Yet, in these first three races, Kimi has already collected some important satisfactions.
The first was to dispel any doubts in the minds of those who, last year, had been skeptical of Toto Wolff's choice to focus on the very young talent from Bologna. The others, however, mainly concern the results. Debut in the points in Australia and two important statistics: the youngest driver ever to lead a Formula 1 Grand Prix and the earliest to score the quick ride of a race. The first Italian, by the way, since Jarno Trulli, who set the fastest lap in the race in the 2009 Bahrain GP, aboard his Toyota.
In particular, the second stint completed by the young driver on hard tyres surprised everyone. In fact, throughout the second part of the race, he found himself to be the fastest on the track. Lewis Hamilton could do nothing in his vain attempt to catch up with him, even on softer tyres. Of course, Antonelli was helped by the fact that the two Pirelli mixtures did not present substantial differences in terms of consumption, behaving almost identically. In fact, however, he was surprised himself by the confidence shown in the race.
A fact that becomes even more important if we think about the characteristics of the Suzuka circuit (where Antonelli had never raced), where the first sector is really very technical. In short, on a real track, very often, the best drivers emerge. This gives his race an even more significant value, which ended, among other things, in Russell's exhausts.
Antonelli surprises, but we still have to give him time. Even at Fanta F1
Now comes Bahrain, a track that Kimi already knows quite well. In fact, he made his Formula 2 debut at Sakhir last year with the Prema team. Furthermore, he has covered many kilometres on board his Mercedes during the pre-season testing days. We can therefore expect an excellent weekend from the Italian driver, perhaps even threatening George Russell for the first time or, at least, staying even closer to him. The shortcomings of the youngest Mercedes driver, by his own admission, mainly concern qualifying. The rookie still has to find that level of confidence with the car that can allow him to set important times. It is no coincidence that for the Japanese GP we had included Antonelli among the five drivers to do not deploy at Fanta F1, just in anticipation of a start in the lower part of the top ten. As we saw, it was difficult to overtake the opponents due to the very narrow and winding track. For the fantamangers, they were 10 excellent points. Not a lot, but earned thanks to access to Q3 and a sixth position brought home at the end of the weekend plus the fastest lap.
As already said last week, Kimi Antonelli must be given time. What we can also note is the speed with which the young driver is improving. In Japan he has begun to show a greater awareness of tyre management, both in their introduction to the track and in the progression and consistency of times during the second stint.
In short, the approach progresses upwards. Or, if we want, the pilot of the Mercedes reminds a bit of Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia. In fact, just like the protagonist of the well-known Japanese manga and anime, Kimi cannot currently enjoy all his potential. The risk, in fact, is that of exaggerating and running into annoying accidents along the way.
What to do with Antonelli at Fanta F1? The sums after three races
Surely, sooner or later, Antonelli's purchase price will rise in parallel with his brilliant performances. However, the calculations that are made when lining up your theme at Fanta F1 are slightly different than the sporting evaluations linked to the track. Just as naturally, you should put your heart aside and reason with your brain and calculator in hand, if you want to be prepared for the weekend. For this reason, at the moment we must consider Antonelli as a driver among the second and third band. Its cost, 22 credits, allows fantasy managers to pair him with Norris or Verstappen, that is, the two drivers with the highest rating.
Antonelli's weak points at Fanta F1, as mentioned, for now are the qualifications, which do not see him able to fight for the first three positions (but maybe in Bahrain he will be able to prove us wrong, who knows) and the comparison with his teammate. Russell, not surprisingly, has always prevailed over the Italian driver, both in qualifications and in the race.
It is then difficult to predict an average score on which Antonelli could settle. In Australia he brought home well 25 points, also thanks to the great comeback that took place on Sunday in the rain. Let us remember, in fact, that for each position gained at the end of the race (compared to the starting position) the drivers earn a point. On the contrary, in case of positions lost, half a point will be subtracted from their overall score. These dynamics have influenced the great performance at Antonelli's debut at Fanta F1, leading several fantasy managers to bet on him also in China and Japan.
In the last two races, however, Antonelli has won respectively 10 (considering the positions gained thanks to the double Ferrari disqualification) and 13 punti. Consequently, on average, we can expect scores from the Italian driver ranging from 10 to 15 points. 20, in case some important result arrives. In conclusion, give him a top-notch pilot (for now Verstappen or the two McLarens) and avoid di place him as the first pilot.
The hope, instead, is that Antonelli will soon be able to fight for his first victory.
