P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ralf Schumacher has countered the claims that Kimi Antonelli will follow in the footsteps of Max Verstappen.
Ralf Schumacher has rejected the idea that Kimi Antonelli is the “next Max Verstappen,” despite recognizing Antonelli’s talent as a “strong” F1 driver. Antonelli, at 18 years old, is seen as a remarkable talent in Formula 1 who could potentially be the first since Verstappen to rise to the championship. Schumacher believes Antonelli needs time to adjust to the demands of F1 after swiftly progressing through the junior categories. Antonelli, unlike Verstappen, skipped FIA F3 and entered F1 with limited experience, having only completed one season of F2 and recently winning the Formula Regional championship. Schumacher pointed out Antonelli’s rapid ascension but questioned if he could be compared to Verstappen at this early stage in his career. Antonelli is currently facing challenges with the complex W16 car, similar to the struggles Verstappen overcame in his early years in F1. Schumacher bluntly stated that he does not see Antonelli as the next Max Verstappen.
