Kimi Antonelli sees the technical revolution in Formula 1 as a major opportunity. Entering his second season in the F1 World Championship, the young Italian has ambitious goals built on a solid foundation and, above all, a deeper understanding compared to a year ago.
A new perspective in his second season
Pressure hasn’t increased for Antonelli, but it has transformed. Everything now feels more familiar: his team, life in the paddock, and the dynamics of Formula 1. The 2025 season served as a long lesson in learning—the most important so far in his young career—which will prove useful in many aspects.
At just nineteen, Antonelli impresses with his calm and analytical skills. Only a year has passed since his debut in Melbourne, but it has been an intense period, moving at a pace far removed from everyday life. With twenty years since an Italian last won a Grand Prix, a new story may soon begin, bringing prestige and excitement for the young driver.
Barcelona tests: first impressions
“The test went very well. We completed a lot of laps, and the team did a fantastic job. Since the Silverstone filming day, we’ve been running consistently, and in Barcelona we didn’t face major issues. That said, it’s hard to judge where we are versus the competition since fuel loads and engine modes are unknown. But my feeling from the car was positive, and I can’t wait for Bahrain,” Antonelli said.
Power, aerodynamics, and braking
“The power is impressive, especially because the increased electric component makes acceleration sharper—you feel it a lot more. The battery doesn’t last long due to the amount of energy it delivers, so it can taper off before the end of a straight, sometimes reducing speed. This is new for all drivers, and it varies depending on the track layout. Short straights use less battery, meaning lower corner entry speeds, while long straights allow full battery use for faster entry.”
On aerodynamics: “Yes, the downforce is lower, especially in fast corners. In slow corners, the smaller car size and lower weight compensate, so overall it felt better than last year despite less load. Fast corners feel the difference, but this is just the start of the new technical regulations, and I expect a significant performance progression throughout the year.”
Regarding braking: “With less downforce, it’s easier to lock the front wheels. Active aerodynamics, particularly the front wing, also play a role. If it doesn’t close fast enough under braking, you can lock the tyres. In Barcelona, we tested how quickly the front wing closed. If it’s too slow, engineers will make it faster to give a wider braking window and reduce the risk of locking.”
Impressions of other teams
“Red Bull impressed me, especially their first power unit, completing many laps consistently. Ferrari also performed well, with good reliability. McLaren had some small issues, but their car looks strong and aerodynamically well-designed,” Kimi Antonelli noted.
Goals and ambitions for 2026
“I’ve had time to reflect on last season, analyzing what went right and wrong. I’ve set goals for 2026 and now understand more about this world. I’m really motivated. I can’t wait to be back in Bahrain, and especially in Melbourne. The new regulations offer a huge opportunity.”
“Every time I get on track, the goal is the same: be the best, be faster, and of course, win. The new technical cycle has changed not just the cars but also how we drive them, and I see it as an opportunity. If we’re competitive, the aim is to win my first F1 races and maybe fight for the championship. It won’t be easy with a tough teammate, but I believe we can achieve great things together.”
Kimi Antonelli’s reflections on the 2026 Barcelona tests reveal a young driver who is perfectly attuned to the shifting technical landscape of Formula 1. By pinpointing the “brutal” energy delivery of the new power units and the complexities of active aerodynamics, Kimi Antonelli demonstrates that his rookie year has successfully prepared him for the intellectual and physical demands of the new era. While the Italian star remains wary of the early reliability shown by Red Bull and Ferrari, his clear ambition to secure his first Grand Prix victories suggests that the Silver Arrows have a driver ready to capitalize on the W17’s early promise. As the paddock looks toward Melbourne, the narrative of an Italian driver ending the twenty-year winning drought has never felt more plausible.
Kimi Antonelli therefore views the 2026 regulations as a level playing field where his refined driving style and Mercedes’ engineering strength could combine for a championship-challenging season.
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