As the Formula 1 2026 season draws nearer, Kimi Antonelli is determined to achieve even more with Mercedes. At just 18 years old, the Italian talent was immediately immersed in a complex technical and media environment during the recently concluded season. Following an essential learning phase, he now aims to trust his instincts more, adopting a mindset fully committed to success. This ambition represents the next step for Antonelli as he positions himself to compete where it truly matters.
Antonelli’s first breakthrough in Melbourne
The season opener combined excitement and pressure, two sides of the same coin. Kimi Antonelli himself, in an interview with Italian journalist colleague Roberto Chinchero, reflected on his debut year, sharing his impressions of a season he will never forget. The young driver from Bologna underwent a steep learning curve, with the first race weekend proving to be truly special.
“When I think back to Melbourne today, I remember how tense I was in the car. Now it’s completely different. I’ve grown a lot mentally,” Kimi Antonelli recalled. The Albert Park Grand Prix showcased his talent in wet conditions, where he impressively finished fourth on his Formula 1 debut after being eliminated in Q1 the previous day.
The early part of the season, from Melbourne to Canada, was relatively straightforward. “It was a period of intense learning, and I had to get familiar with many new experiences,” explained Antonelli. During this period, he received encouraging signs, culminating in his first career podium in Montreal. This achievement validated his potential and also raised expectations surrounding his performance.
The challenges after Canada
Following the Canadian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli entered a more challenging phase. “I didn’t see the progress I expected, and it was mentally tough,” he admitted. His performance dipped, confidence wavered, and errors began to weigh on him. During this period, Mercedes played a key role in shielding him from external pressures, despite occasional off-track excursions and incidents.
Errors and guidance from Wolff
The turning point came between Zandvoort and Monza, when technical adjustments and psychological support intersected. A decisive moment was a direct meeting with Toto Wolff and Peter Bonnington, his track engineer and long-time mentor for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. From that moment, Kimi Antonelli shifted his approach: “Returning to the old rear suspension helped, but the real turning point was a mental reset. I told myself I had to start from zero.”
Kimi remembers the candid feedback from that discussion: “They told me honestly what they thought of my performance, but it was constructive criticism. I found that toughness necessary to say: okay, now things will change. And they did.” From Monza onwards, his results improved noticeably.
External pressure continued to be a challenge. “During the difficult period, there were many rumors, and that didn’t help. Growing up means learning to live with these aspects,” he added, emphasizing that his experiences had made him more aware of his abilities. Indeed, the final part of the season was a steady rise, with podiums in Interlagos and Las Vegas confirming his development.
Kimi: “With a strong car, I will have to make the difference”
Looking back at the season, Antonelli struggles to choose a single highlight. “The first race, my first pole in Miami, the podium in Canada, Brazil… but I think the best moment is still to come. The Spa weekend, however, was a tough one, probably the most challenging of all,” he reflected. These extremes capture the essence of his 2025 campaign.
From a driving perspective, certain moments were decisive: “In Japan I felt really good, then in Canada and Brazil,” he explained. The Las Vegas race was emblematic: “I was driving automatically; everything came naturally.” This is a feeling drivers usually experience when they are completely in sync with the car—a key milestone in any driver’s career, particularly at such a young age.
The 2025 season has therefore been an investment in the future. Kimi Antonelli now looks to 2026 with ambition: “I hope to have a competitive car. If that’s the case, it will be up to me to make the difference.” Fully aware that his journey is just beginning, he has a clear message for himself: “Trust your instincts, your abilities, and approach every challenge with a killer mentality.” This mindset lays a solid foundation for a very promising future in Formula 1.
This hard-earned perspective strengthens his outlook considerably. As Mercedes prepares for the regulation reset, Antonelli’s blend of talent, resilience, and newfound maturity positions him as a potential breakout star – ready to translate lessons learned into championship-chasing performances when the new era dawns.
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