Kimi Antonelli has insisted he will attempt to keep “raising the bar” as he goes in hunt of a maiden world championship.
The 19-year-old has opened up a 20-point cushion over Mercedes team-mate George Russell after winning the last three grands prix. However, he has stated he is not focusing on the title fight at this early stage of the season.
Antonelli is seeking to become only the third Italian driver to claim an F1 title, after Giuseppe Farina and Alberto Ascari, and would be the first to do so in 73 years since Ascari’s 1953 success.
As support continues to be generated for the Mercedes driver in his home country, Antonelli has brushed off the weight of the burden.
“I’m aware of what’s happening, but I’m not trying to focus too much on that or worry,” Antonelli told media including ApexF1News.
“At the end, it’s still a very long season, a lot of races left. And I know on my side I just need to keep raising the bar.
“I have a super-strong team-mate, George, who is super quick, very complete. And then the competitors will get closer and closer.”
Despite Antonelli’s early advantage in the standings, with only four rounds in the books, there is naturally still a significant portion of the season left to play out before the champion is crowned.
“On my side, I know that the road is still very long and that, as I said before, I need to keep raising the bar and keep delivering and keep focusing on the process and trying to maximise the performance every time,” Antonelli added.
“On my side, I’ve got to be ready because, as I said before, it’s not going to be easy and it’s going to be important to try and keep or increase the level.”
