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International media finds Russell's challenger in Mercedes' young star

Photo: Race Pictures

F1 News

10:59, 16 Mar

Updated: 11:19, 16 Mar

1 Comments

byKada Sarkozi

After winning his first Grand Prix ever in China, Kimi Antonelli is increasingly tipped to challenge George Russell for the drivers' title.

Marca

The Spanish newspaper highlighted the triumph of Antonelli, who became Formula 1's 116th Grand Prix winner.

They wrote: "Andrea Kimi Antonelli is grown up now. The Italian prodigy (born in August 2006) proved he is destined to be one of Formula 1's greats thanks to his first victory.

"He's already a Formula 1 winner and he's growing up. Perhaps Russell's biggest rival for the title... is within Mercedes."

"Perhaps Russell's biggest rival for the title... is within Mercedes."

- Marca

La Gazzetta dello Sport

The Italian newspaper was clearly glad to see Antonelli triumph at the Shanghai International Circuit.

They wrote: "Antonelli's feat is complete: a perfect race, after Saturday's pole, which propels him into the list of the youngest winners ever in Formula One history. And to think that the only Italian to score a pole, win a race, and achieve a fastest lap in F1 was Ascari in 1953... the last Italian world champion."

Photo: Race Pictures

Fox Sport Australia

The Australians focused on Oscar Piastri's second DNS in a row after the race.

They wrote: "The last-minute mishap in Shanghai followed Piastri crashing his car on the lap to the grid in Melbourne a week ago. The McLarens were not the only ones caught up in the carnage, however.

"Max Verstappen retired his Red Bull on the 46th lap with an electrical problem. Red Bull were receiving work on his car on the grid before the race and clearly have work to do after a disappointing weekend where Verstappen finished outside of the points in the sprint race."