International media have hailed Antonelli after his second consecutive win, as he becomes the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history. La Gazzetta dello Sport
In Italy, it’s understandably a time of celebration for their home hero, with the national press hailing the
Bologna-born youngster’s achievement, while also urging calm and stressing that any potential title challenge must be built race by race.
"Antonelli is capturing the imagination and fast-tracking his rise, but it may not be fair to pile too much pressure on him either, as this race once again showed that in Formula 1 everything has to be built step by step, without overdoing it.
Another record falls: with victory at the Suzuka Grand Prix - his second in a row after his triumph in China - Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest championship leader in history at 19 years, 7 months and 4 days, beating the record set by Lewis Hamilton, who achieved the feat at 22 years, 4 months and 6 days." MARCA
The Spanish newspaper also praised Antonelli’s victory in Suzuka, highlighting his talent while noting that, had Mercedes chosen Carlos Sainz over him for 2025, the Spaniard would more or less be in the same position now.
"Andrea Kimi Antonelli seems to have an angel on his shoulder and all the luck in the world, as everything falls into place for his second win of the season - and a second in a row. The young Italian also moves into the lead of the World Championship, something no Italian driver had achieved since 2005, when Giancarlo Fisichella led the standings after the opening race.
"He is now the youngest championship leader in history, but the Bologna-born youngster - who only last year brought his schoolmates to Imola to watch him race - is starting to believe he can fight for his first F1 title. "Had Toto Wolff opted for Carlos Sainz for that seat in 2025, the Spaniard would likely be in that position instead, but that’s Formula 1, where the car accounts for 80% of what happens over a race weekend."
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The German newspaper instead focused on George Russell’s frustration, as he not only failed to beat his team-mate once again but also finished off the podium - far from ideal for a driver widely tipped as a title favourite and armed with what is clearly the strongest car on the grid.
“In the third race of the season, the Silver Arrows make it three wins from three. Sensational: Kimi Antonelli wins the Japanese Grand Prix - and at just 19 becomes the youngest championship leader in F1 history. A huge result for Mercedes. A bitter blow for team-mate George Russell. “Celebrations? Not quite. Frustration, radio complaints and sharp TV responses - Russell hits his first low point of the season.”
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