Andrea Kimi Antonelli‘s debut Formula 1 season has had a mixture of highs and lows, but is assured of the guidance provided by Valtteri Bottas.
The Italian rookie has enjoyed a largely bright first half of his maiden F1 campaign, taking pole position for the Miami Sprint Race, as well as a first-ever podium in Canada.
But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Taking out Max Verstappen on Lap 1 in Austria followed a qualifying crash in Monaco.
However, Antonelli can rely on the help of the German marque’s third driver Bottas, who returned to the team after losing his Sauber drive at the end of last year.
When asked by Motorsport Week in Barcelona if the Finn is often on hand to provide support, Antonelli admitted that his help has been invaluable.
“I mean, having Valtteri in the team obviously is great and it’s a great opportunity as well to use him and in a way, in the sense of asking him for advice,” he said.
“So definitely, he’s been really helpful and he’s always there for me, trying to give me advice, especially when he sees that I’m struggling a little bit.
“So when he sees that I’m a bit in a struggle, he’s always there trying to help me. I think a really good example was Suzuka as well.
“I had a difficult three free practices, but as well with his help, I was able to overcome the moment. So yeah, I’m really trying to rely on him because he’s a really good help.”
Antonelli compliments ‘journalist’ Bottas
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Antonelli was given the chance to compliment Bottas to his face under humorous circumstances.
Speaking at the back row of the Mercedes media session in the comic guise of a journalist, Bottas asked Antonelli what it is like having him as a supportive third driver.
“Apart from George [Russell], I think with Valtteri, not because he’s here,” he said, “but I would have said anyway, we have a good relationship and he’s always been helpful towards me.
“And, you know, especially before weekends, especially in tracks that I didn’t know, he would come to me and he would tell me some little tricks and even during the weekend he would always be trying to help.
“So I think his support has been really helpful, and also he’s a really cool dude!”
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