The first pre-season testing session in Bahrain was a challenging start for Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Bologna-born talent covered very few kilometers over the first two days: only 15 flying laps on day one due to technical issues, and zero on day two because of a power unit failure. Yet, he made the most of the final half-day, setting the fastest lap of the session and finishing on a positive note.
A realistic but optimistic reflection
Antonelli gave a measured assessment in an interview with Motorsport: “It was a bit of a difficult test for me. On the first day, I only managed 15 flying laps, and on Thursday I didn’t even leave the garage because of the power unit failure. It was challenging, but we know these things happen, especially at the start of a new regulation cycle. I want to focus on the positive: better to face these setbacks now rather than during a race weekend. Tests are also about spotting potential issues. The last half-day, however, was positive; we maximized the laps, and the car performed well.”
Technical work: focus on turbo, downshifts, and gearbox
The 2026 power units have drastically changed turbo response, introducing noticeable lag. All teams have adjusted their gear ratios accordingly. Kimi Antonelli concentrated on mastering downshifts and gear changes: “I focused a lot on downshifting. I believe every team has modified the gearbox ratios because the turbo’s power delivery has changed. The goal is to get the turbo spinning efficiently to reduce lag. We worked extensively on downshifts and gear changes. Using shorter gears helps, but you need to adapt and optimize every shift. I think we are at a good point now.”
The car’s feel: different but enjoyable
The young Italian driver praised the 2026 car’s handling. With smaller, lighter chassis, reduced aerodynamic load, but significantly more power on corner exit, long runs present traction challenges: “It’s a different driving style, a new feeling, but honestly, I’m really enjoying the car. There’s less downforce than last year and more power on corner exit, which makes long runs tricky because traction becomes tricky towards the end of the stints.”
He added, “There’s still a lot of adaptation work we can do, but overall I like driving a smaller, lighter car. Especially in low-speed corners, it feels more agile—the feedback is very enjoyable.”
Young voices vs. veteran opinions
Antonelli’s positive outlook contrasts sharply with comments from veteran world champions like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen, who have been critical of the new regulations and cars after just the first Bahrain test. The Formula 1 fan base appears split: some, like reigning world champion Lando Norris, George Russell, and his teammate, advocate giving the new rules time to show their potential, while others dismiss the cars outright.
The key difference is experience: the veterans already have their legacy in F1, while younger drivers see the new regulations as an opportunity to rise. Every driver deserves a chance, and so does this new regulation. Will it be exciting? Great. If not? That’s part of the sport. Ironically, the next world champion might even be someone who initially criticized the rules the most.
Looking forward
Kimi Antonelli’s perspective is a reminder that fresh talent often interprets change differently than established stars. With adaptability, learning, and patience, the young drivers may benefit from the new 2026 F1 rules—and some could even thrive where the veterans are skeptical.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s “pleasant” outlook on the 2026 era serves as a crucial reminder that Formula 1 belongs as much to the future as it does to the past. While established champions may find the transition away from high-downforce monsters frustrating, the agility of the new, lighter chassis clearly resonates with the next generation of talent. If Mercedes can iron out the reliability issues that plagued Antonelli’s first two days, his enthusiasm for the “fun” power delivery of the W17 might just be the secret weapon he needs to challenge the skeptical veterans when the lights go out in Melbourne.
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