Antonelli following in the footsteps of Farina and Ascari
MEXICO CITY: Alberto Ascari was a boyhood hero for US motor racing great Mario Andretti, now 86, but few of Kimi Antonelli’s compatriots were around when Italy’s last Formula One world champion was making headlines.
US motor racing legend Mario Andretti, now 86, credits Italy's last Formula One world champion Antonio Ascari as his childhood hero. At 20, Kimi Antonelli is poised to become the first Italian to win the Formula One championship since Ascari's record in 1953. Ascari's victory record includes 13 wins from 32 races, a feat no other Italian has matched.
Born into a family of racing drivers, Ascari's father Antonio was a multiple race winner before his fatal crash at Monza in 1955. Similarly, Antonelli, the son of Antonio Ascari, lost his life in a similar accident at Monza in 1955 while testing a Ferrari sports car. Ascari's legendary driving style, described as "cool and relaxed," earned him the admiration of British world champion Mike Hawthorn, who hailed him as the fastest driver he ever saw. Andretti, the 1978 world champion, still regards Ascari as his "absolute idol."
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Antonelli follows in the footsteps of Farina, Ascari freemalaysiatoday.com
- Motor racing-Antonelli following in the footsteps of Farina and Ascari channelnewsasia.com
