Young Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is gearing up to face the challenging Monaco Grand Prix after a disappointing performance at Imola. Despite his potential, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Antonelli is lacking a crucial element – a killer instinct on the track.
At just 18 years old, Antonelli has been making strides in the racing world, transitioning from Formula Regional Europea to Formula 2 and now competing for Mercedes. Herbert, a seasoned veteran with three Grand Prix wins under his belt, sees Antonelli’s progress but points out a missing piece in his racing arsenal. “He presents himself as a true gentleman on the track, but he needs to unleash a bit of ruthlessness. It’s essential when facing drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. The only thing he lacks is that extra bit of killer instinct, but it will come,” Herbert commented.
Meanwhile, the spotlight shines on Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, with the former showcasing his championship mentality with a stunning overtake on Piastri at Imola. Herbert draws parallels between Piastri and past F1 champions like Mika Hakkinen and Damon Hill, noting their ability to stay focused amidst distractions. “Max Verstappen doesn’t flinch. It’s something we see in Oscar Piastri as well, while Lando Norris seems to be more sensitive to the negative publicity he receives for his mistakes. Nobody is perfect,” Herbert remarked.
As the Monaco Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Antonelli as he aims to prove his mettle on the demanding street circuit. Will he heed Herbert’s advice and tap into his killer instinct to secure a podium finish? Stay tuned as the young driver navigates the twists and turns of Monte Carlo in pursuit of racing glory.
