Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Mercedes F1 driver, described MotoGP riders as "nuts" for racing motorcycles at speeds up to 370kph, calling it far riskier than driving an F1 car. [1, 2] "I couldn't imagine myself doing 370kph on two wheels. I would rather stay on four. More stable, more protected," Antonelli said, expressing his preference for the safety of Formula 1 cars. [1]
He showed greater respect for MotoGP riders because despite often crashing at such high speeds, they quickly return to the race. "If they crash, they are rolling on the ground, in the gravel. They don't know what's going to happen. What is really mind-blowing for me is if they crash then they run back to the garage, they take the second bike and they go even quicker. For me, that's crazy. It means you're missing something in the head," Antonelli added. [1]
Antonelli recently watched the MotoGP race at Mugello, which Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi won. [1, 2] The F1 season has seen new regulations including more electric power, active aerodynamics replacing the Drag Reduction System, and smaller, lighter cars. [1, 2] Drivers like Max Verstappen have struggled with managing electrical power during races, with Verstappen even threatening to quit the sport. [1, 2]
Antonelli said Monaco's track layout, with slow corners and no long straights, lessens impacts from the new power rules. "It's one of those tracks where the batteries actually last for the whole straight. So definitely you don't have to worry about procedures that much," he explained. [1]
He called Monaco a challenging city circuit where drivers can focus mainly on driving. "A city track is already a big challenge for the driver and if you can just worry about driving, that's the best," Antonelli said. [1]
Antonelli aims to win a fifth consecutive F1 race this upcoming Sunday at Monaco, continuing his strong form this season. [1, 2]