Juan Pablo Montoya believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli has a crucial advantage over George Russell when driving an unpredictable Formula 1 car, despite considering the two Mercedes drivers equally talented in terms of outright speed. The former F1 driver has identified a significant difference in their driving styles that could help explain why the Italian managed to establish such a commanding advantage over his teammate during the 2026 championship.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula 1 World Championship after quickly taking control of the title battle and wresting the initiative away from George Russell. The Briton suffered a considerable psychological setback as his younger Mercedes teammate emerged as the dominant force. But how did Antonelli manage to establish such a substantial advantage over a driver widely regarded as an exceptional talent? Juan Pablo Montoya believes he has identified the answer.
Juan Pablo Montoya identifies Kimi Antonelli’s advantage over George Russell
Speaking to Thunderpick, Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that the difference between the two Mercedes drivers is not necessarily their natural speed, but rather how they respond when the car becomes difficult to control.
“I think that in terms of pure speed, George Russell is on the same level as Andrea Kimi Antonelli,” Montoya explained. “But if you watch Kimi’s hands while he is driving, you can see that he has greater control over the car. Antonelli is not static. He doesn’t turn the steering wheel and then hold it in position. Kimi is constantly involved, continuously making small corrections to the car.”
“I’m certain that George Russell, on the other hand, prefers more stable cars. If the car is firmly planted, George will drive it faster than anyone else.”
According to Juan Pablo Montoya, this distinction becomes particularly important when the balance of a Formula 1 car changes. While George Russell can extract exceptional performance from a stable car, Andrea Kimi Antonelli appears more comfortable adapting to unpredictable behaviour.
Why unpredictable F1 cars favour Kimi Antonelli’s driving style
Juan Pablo Montoya believes that the characteristics of modern Formula 1 machinery, particularly the lighter cars and the effects of technical upgrades, can expose the differences between the two Mercedes drivers.
“But the problem is that with lighter cars, and especially with the upgrades introduced on the cars, they become more unpredictable,” Montoya continued. “As soon as you load up the car and it starts to slide, you lift your foot, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and lose confidence in the car, whereas Kimi is comfortable with the car’s movements. I think that makes a big difference.”
The Colombian’s assessment offers an explanation for the contrasting performances of the two teammates during a season in which Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 world title.
Rather than suggesting that George Russell lacks the necessary pace, Montoya’s argument centres on the ability to maintain confidence and control when a car becomes unstable. In his view, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s continuous steering corrections allow him to cope more naturally with changes in the car’s behaviour.
British Grand Prix example highlights Antonelli’s Mercedes car control
One example supporting Juan Pablo Montoya’s theory came during the British Grand Prix, when Andrea Kimi Antonelli encountered a significant technical problem with his Mercedes W17.
The car was so badly unbalanced that the Italian struggled to get it turned towards the apex under braking for Brooklands. The handling problem made it extremely difficult to negotiate the corner properly, underlining just how unpredictable the Mercedes had become.
Despite the issue, Andrea Kimi Antonelli managed to adapt after only a few laps and return to highly respectable lap times. His ability to recover performance while dealing with a severely compromised car provided a clear example of the qualities highlighted by Juan Pablo Montoya.
For the former Formula 1 driver, that adaptability represents the fundamental distinction between the Mercedes teammates. George Russell may be every bit as quick in ideal conditions, but Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s comfort with a moving, unpredictable car gives him an advantage when circumstances become more challenging.
More news about Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli
- Kimi Antonelli reveals Toto Wolff’s angry warning after Mercedes clash with George Russell
- Toto Wolff praises Kimi Antonelli and criticises selfish F1 drivers after world title victory
- Kimi Antonelli’s father reveals when he knew his son would become F1 world champion
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