Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old championship leader in Formula 1, has immense respect-and a touch of disbelief-for MotoGP riders. After watching compatriot Marco Bezzecchi win at Mugello, Antonelli told reporters ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, "Whoever does that is nuts."
He explained that while racing an F1 car inches from barriers at 300kph requires nerves of ice, the idea of hitting 370kph on two wheels is unthinkable. "I couldn't imagine myself doing 370kph on two wheels. I would rather stay on four. More stable, more protected," he said.
Antonelli was particularly awestruck by MotoGP riders' resilience: "If they crash, they run back to the garage, take the second bike, and go even quicker. For me, that's crazy. It means you're missing something in the head."
Meanwhile, F1 has entered a new era with sweeping rule changes including more electric power and active aerodynamics. Monaco's tight corners and lack of long straights, however, mean the race will be less impacted by these regulations, allowing drivers to focus purely on driving.