07/05/26 02:03:00
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07/05 01:58 CDT Antonelli embraces British Grand Prix vibe as he takes on home
heroes Hamilton and Russell
Antonelli embraces British Grand Prix vibe as he takes on home heroes Hamilton
and Russell
SILVERSTONE, England (AP) --- Kimi Antonelli is feeling the love from the
British Grand Prix crowd even as he aims to stretch his Formula 1 lead at the
expense of local favorites Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Up to 180,000 fans are expected at Silverstone on Sunday as the 19-year-old
Mercedes driver starts on pole position, looking for a statement win in his
quest to become F1's youngest champion.
A sixth Grand Prix win of the season for Antonelli would further shrink
Hamilton and Russell's title chances. Asked if he relished playing the villain
in Britain, Antonelli responded that it felt almost like home for him, too.
"I think this weekend is probably one of the most special along (with the
Italian Grand Prix at) Monza, because the crowd, as Lewis said, is amazing.
It's incredible to see how much support there is for everyone," Antonelli said
Saturday.
"The crowd just gives you such a positive energy and to see people just waiting
such a long time just to see you and to even maybe get an autograph or a
picture, it's just incredible. And it's such a positive energy that just makes
the weekend so special as well."
Antonelli had a double success Saturday, overtaking Hamilton --- victor at
Silverstone a record nine times --- to win a thrilling sprint race before
qualifying on pole ahead of the two Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc and Hamilton
third.
It was a rough day for Russell, who won last week in Austria but struggled to
place fourth in the sprint and in qualifying, leaving him trailing Antonelli by
43 points in the standings. Hamilton is four points further back.
Max Verstappen questioned whether there was any point competing Sunday as the
four-time champion struggled with an issue affecting his car's top speed.
That's a further setback after he seemed to have finally found form this season
with second place in Austria.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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