Kimi Antonelli was naturally one of the main attractions during the FIA press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the seventh round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The young Mercedes driver arrives in Spain as the leader of the World Championship standings after an extraordinary run of form. Following a Grand Chelem victory in Monaco and five consecutive race wins, the Italian has established himself as the clear favourite heading into another crucial weekend.
Despite his remarkable momentum, Antonelli remains determined to keep his focus on the task immediately ahead rather than allowing himself to become distracted by championship calculations.
Reflecting on his recent success in Monte Carlo, the 19-year-old spoke enthusiastically about the celebrations that followed his latest victory.
“It was nice celebrating with the team in the water in Monaco, although I don’t want to know what was actually in that harbour,” Antonelli joked. “But it was fun and it made me really happy.”
He also admitted that attending Monaco’s famous gala events is not usually part of his routine, but said he would be happy to experience it all again next year.
However, his attention has already shifted to the next challenge.
“Right now, though, the focus is on the Barcelona Grand Prix and we will try to repeat our recent results, even if it won’t be easy. This weekend will be interesting because it will help us understand the true potential of the package we introduced in Canada, where the conditions were quite unique. We’ll see how much performance it can give us, even though our rivals are very close,” he explained.
Experience has made the difference
Antonelli highlighted how valuable his rookie season in 2025 proved to be in preparing him for his current position at the front of the field.
“That year of experience was fundamental in helping me understand what works and what doesn’t during a race weekend. Being able to return to circuits I’ve already raced on allows me to manage my energy better and become more aware of my potential. At the same time, the relationship with the team continues to grow stronger and stronger.”
When asked about the championship battle, Kimi Antonelli was careful not to get carried away despite holding the lead in the standings.
“The World Championship? For now, I’m not thinking about it. I know the opportunity is there and I want to make the most of it, but I don’t want to drive while constantly thinking about the title. My focus is on the process, on how the season develops, and on driving the car.”
Learning from difficult moments
The Mercedes driver also opened up about a challenging period he experienced a year ago, revealing how it helped him grow both professionally and personally.
“A year ago, I went through a moment where I doubted myself, but not anymore. You mature as a driver, but also as a person. That difficult period allowed me to understand myself better, and I’m actually grateful that I went through it.”
Even with his current success, Antonelli acknowledged that he is still discovering the limits of his abilities: “Of course, there are still questions about how far I can push myself and how much I can continue to improve, but that will take a little more time to answer.”
Grateful for Mercedes’ support
Looking back at the journey that brought him to Formula 1, Antonelli admitted that his current position would have been difficult to imagine during his junior career.
“When I was racing in the junior categories, I never really imagined all of this. But the goal was always to reach Formula 1. Obviously, I’m happy with where I am and what I’m doing, and I’m thankful to the team for giving me such an incredible car. But you always have to stay focused on the objective.”
Antonelli was also asked about the ADUO topic that has generated discussion throughout the paddock in recent weeks.
“To be honest, I don’t know the subject particularly well or the criteria used for assigning it. I’m surprised, but it would probably be better to ask the team and the FIA,” he admitted.
His comments once again reflected a level of maturity beyond his years. Despite leading the Formula 1 World Championship and carrying the expectations that come with such success, Kimi Antonelli continues to focus on daily improvement, careful preparation, and the process required to remain at the front of the grid. That mindset may prove just as valuable as his speed as the title fight intensifies throughout the remainder of the season.
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