Tyres and driving style: how Antonelli is getting the better of Russell
Kimi Antonelli is building his success on an impressive ability to extract more performance from the tyres while confidently operating at the limit of Formula 1’s new-generation cars.
Reducing a driver’s success to just a few factors is always an oversimplification, and Antonelli’s case is no exception. The Italian has demonstrated remarkable growth from both a technical and psychological perspective across every area of his performance. However, among the many aspects in which he is making a difference, two stand out more than any others.
The first is a driving style that appears naturally suited to the characteristics of the 2026 cars. The second is his sensitivity to tyre behaviour, both when it comes to bringing the tyres into their operating window and managing them effectively over longer race stints.
A perfect match with the 2026 cars
“We have two different driving styles and we use the car in different ways,” Antonelli commented ahead of the Barcelona weekend.
Only a few days earlier, George Russell had expressed a similar view following qualifying in Monaco: “I think there’s a clear difference between our driving styles. It was there last year too, but back then it worked in my favour, whereas now it’s clearly benefiting him.”
It is hardly surprising that Formula 1’s new technical era has altered the balance of power within teams. The latest generation of cars offers less grip than their predecessors and features more aggressive electrical engine braking. However, the most significant changes have come in the aerodynamic and mechanical areas.
Antonelli is a more aggressive driver than Russell during corner entry, which is why he is generally more affected by rear-end instability. The 2026 cars generate less aerodynamic downforce and provide less rear-end stability than the previous generation, something that, on paper, should have worked against the young Italian.
Yet the older cars relied heavily on ground effect aerodynamics, where even minor airflow disturbances beneath the floor could trigger a sudden loss of downforce. They also ran extremely low and stiff from a mechanical standpoint, amplifying their sharp reactions and leaving very little room to fine-tune the balance.
The result is that the current cars may feel less planted, but they are also far more predictable. That predictability gives Antonelli the confidence he needs to drive consistently on the edge, allowing him to maximise his aggressive approach to corner entry.
“They’re more unstable, but they give you much more warning, even when the car starts to slide,” Kimi explained. “Last year’s car was very abrupt. It had incredible grip, but once it let go, there was no way to recover it. This year, you can feel when it’s starting to move around and you can control it much better. You can also play with the car more and explore the limit.”
The tyre factor
Antonelli has also proven extremely effective at exploiting the characteristics of the 2026 Pirelli tyres, which differ significantly from those used in previous seasons.
The current tyres generate roughly 2% less grip and are considerably stiffer, partly because of the higher inflation pressures being used. As a result, bringing them up to temperature has become more challenging.
The aerodynamic characteristics of the new cars do not help either. With lower downforce levels and reduced energy transfer to the tyres—particularly when the wings open on the straights—the tyres can struggle to reach their ideal operating window.
Getting the tyres working in Barcelona was not a major issue thanks to the combination of high temperatures, fast corners and abrasive asphalt. The situation was much more complicated in Miami and especially in Canada and Monaco, circuits characterised by smoother surfaces where Russell appeared to struggle more, with Montreal being the notable exception given his strong record there.
In these situations, the challenge lies in generating heat within the core of the tyre while balancing carcass and surface temperatures. If the tyre’s core remains too cold, it cannot generate sufficient mechanical grip. The tyre then begins to slide, overheating the surface and losing adhesive grip as well.
“When it comes to tyre preparation and extracting performance from the tyre, the driver can make a significant difference. This year we’re seeing much bigger distinctions between drivers in this area,” Pirelli Chief Engineer Simone Berra explained to FormulaPassion.
The impression is that Antonelli’s aggressive corner-entry style under braking transfers more energy into the front tyres, allowing them to reach operating temperature more quickly. According to Berra, this was one of the key elements behind Antonelli’s Monaco pole position.
“Kimi managed to exploit the tyre better and bring the front axle into the correct temperature range. His driving style may also have helped, as he was slightly more aggressive and managed to identify better opportunities to warm up the tyres,” Berra said.
Different setup philosophies
The differences between Russell and Antonelli are also reflected in their setup choices, something Kimi himself acknowledged.
“Even when it comes to setup decisions, we’re not always the same because my driving style requires certain things from the car, while George needs something different,” Antonelli explained.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that since Miami, Russell has experimented with setup directions closer to Antonelli’s preferences. This applies not only to mechanical settings but also to electronic parameters, likely including differential calibration, braking characteristics and power delivery management.
However, copying another driver rarely produces the desired results. A setup works effectively only when paired with a specific driving technique, and adapting one’s natural style—even when possible—tends to feel uncomfortable and unnatural.
That may help explain Russell’s struggles between Miami and Monaco. Montreal represented a temporary recovery, before the Briton returned to a more competitive level in Barcelona after reverting to a setup philosophy better suited to his own driving style.
During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Russell had the upper hand in qualifying and during the opening stint of the race. Antonelli, however, was dealing with less-than-ideal physical condition and had also missed the first practice session.
Later in the race, Russell suffered from an incorrect front-wing adjustment during his pit stop, forcing him to drive with a less-than-optimal balance. Yet even before that point, Antonelli had already demonstrated stronger race pace during the middle phase of the Grand Prix.
This time reliability worked in Russell’s favour, but the overall impression remains that Antonelli continues to possess a slight performance advantage.
Waiting for the next developments
The upcoming races could prove decisive in defining the internal hierarchy at Mercedes, particularly if the team eventually decides to focus on a single driver should Ferrari emerge as a genuine championship threat.
It will also be fascinating to see how both Antonelli and Russell adapt to the next package of upgrades. For the first time, Kimi has started providing detailed development feedback, an important sign of his growing role within the team.
The Italian is leaving nothing to chance, further evidence that his impressive run of form cannot be attributed to a single factor. A driving style perfectly matched to the new regulations, strong tyre management skills and increasing technical involvement are all combining to make Antonelli one of the standout performers of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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