Kimi Antonelli has expressed growing confidence in his ability to fully control the car during the 2026 Formula 1 season, following an impressive run that has seen him secure two consecutive victories. The young Italian driver, who endured a challenging and often unpredictable rookie campaign, has adapted remarkably well to the demands of his second year in the sport. Kimi Antonelli has already claimed three career podium finishes, including standout victories at the Chinese Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix.
The learning curve
When asked about the extent of his improvement this season and his strong start to the championship, Antonelli emphasized how crucial the lessons from his rookie year have been in shaping his current form. He admitted that he now feels far more in control of both the car and the overall situation at Mercedes compared to last season.
“Big step forward. Experience counts for so much. Last year I faced many difficulties, but it taught me far more than I expected, and that is helping me a lot this season. Obviously there is still plenty of work to do, but I definitely feel much more in control of the situation,” Kimi Antonelli explained.
Continuing his assessment, the Italian underlined the importance of maintaining this upward trajectory and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way. He highlighted that having a title-contending car is not something a driver can take for granted in Formula 1, and therefore it is essential to capitalize when the chance arises.
“Obviously the car helps, and I will try to be ready, because these are opportunities that do not come every day. I am very grateful to the team for the car they have provided so far, and I just need to stay focused,” he concluded.
At the Japanese Grand Prix, Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest driver ever to lead the Formula 1 World Championship following his victory at Suzuka. That result allowed him to move ahead of his teammate and title rival George Russell by nine points after the opening three races of the season, underlining both his rapid development and Mercedes’ strong early form.
Russell urged to follow the “Hamilton model” against Antonelli
Despite Antonelli currently leading the standings, George Russell has been advised to take inspiration from the approach he previously used against Lewis Hamilton during their time as teammates in order to gain the upper hand in his battle with the young Italian.
According to former Formula 1 driver and now analyst Martin Brundle, the situation may be a frustrating one for George Russell, who likely expected to begin the 2026 campaign as one of the leading title contenders. However, Brundle believes that Russell must now shift his mindset and approach the intra-team battle with greater intensity.
In his analysis, Martin Brundle suggested that Russell should move away from any overly accommodating attitude and instead treat Kimi Antonelli as a direct championship rival. With Mercedes appearing to have a highly competitive package this season, the internal duel between the two drivers could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the title fight.
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