If there is one word that echoes after the Barcelona tests, it is undoubtedly solidity, especially when talking about Mercedes and Ferrari. Naturally, this does not only apply to the teams in a general sense, but more specifically to the discussion surrounding the power unit. The German team completed the highest number of laps, while the Prancing Horse ended the shakedown with the fastest time set by Lewis Hamilton. However, as we know well, all these figures and elements must be taken with caution.
It is a word that resonates even more because the so-called “paddock rumours” are starting to circulate, and sooner or later they also influence the mindset of the drivers themselves. On one side, Hamilton has urged everyone not to get carried away, stressing that there is still work to be done and that several upgrades are yet to come. On the other, George Russell can hardly wait to get back on track and take on the 2026 season. His dream would be to insert himself into the world championship fight alongside Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
The Russell factor: the ultimate test for Antonelli
In 2025, George Russell arguably enjoyed his best season since entering Formula 1. He became the clear reference point within Mercedes and was undoubtedly the most consistent driver in the team. When the car was competitive and the conditions were right, he was often the one to impose himself both on his team-mate and on the rest of the grid. The podium in Baku and the victory in Singapore are clear examples, with the latter seeing Russell deliver a flawless weekend while keeping Max Verstappen behind him.
Alongside him was Kimi Antonelli, who gradually began to make his mark, showing flashes of brilliance behind the wheel. He started the season rather slowly, particularly during the European phase, where he seemed to lose his way. However, in the final part of the year, once some distractions were put aside, he showed important signs of growth and genuine potential.
Speaking recently to Sky Italia, Antonelli described his team-mate as “a very tough opponent, extremely strong and a reference driver on the grid. It would be wonderful to be able to fight for the world championship and also challenge him several times over the course of the year.”
At the same time, he is well aware that the task will be difficult, because George Russell is not only fast, but also a very complete driver. Antonelli then shifted his focus to the 2026 season, adding: “I have to say that I also feel much more prepared for this season. Last year I had positive moments and negative moments, but I learned a huge amount, especially from the negative ones.”
He concluded by saying: “For this reason, from this point of view, I feel much more ready for 2026. I know much better what to expect and I will also manage the entire season and race weekends in a better way. I can’t wait to start in Melbourne.”
Title ambitions: the necessary step forward for Kimi
Is Kimi Antonelli really ready to fight for the world championship? The answer may seem obvious at first glance, but confirming it requires several important steps. There is no doubt that Kimi is fast, but he is not yet fully solid in every aspect. Last year he was a rookie, and perhaps expectations were amplified simply because he was driving for Mercedes.
Over the course of the previous season, however, he showed that he can deliver. The podium in Canada is a clear example, as is the sprint pole position in Miami on a circuit that was completely new to him, as well as the race in Brazil, where he managed to keep a tough competitor like Max Verstappen behind him in a competitive Red Bull.
So, to put it plainly, is he ready to be a genuine contender for the world title? The answer is yes, but only if he avoids falling back into the same mistakes made in 2025. Last year he started well, only to lose his way throughout the European phase, partly due to a Mercedes W16 that was not always comfortable in certain conditions.
Leaving the car aside for a moment, what was it that Antonelli lacked last season? Full focus on himself as a Formula 1 driver. During the year, he realised that all distractions had to be put aside, including the constant talk portraying him as the new and future Max Verstappen.
To make that decisive step forward, it is essential to ignore all the surrounding noise. And, judging by his recent statements, significant work has been done on himself, understanding past mistakes in order to arrive better prepared on track. This year also represents a huge opportunity, because with the new regulations, everyone is effectively starting from zero.
Mercedes between internal hierarchies and the shadow of Max Verstappen
There is, however, another key question: will Antonelli be shaped by Mercedes, or will he be able to impose his own driving style consistently? The answer will come directly from the track over the next races and will also serve as an indicator of how close he is getting to George Russell’s level.
Finally, there is also a contractual and political aspect to consider. If Mercedes were to have a title-winning car and the two main contenders were Russell and Antonelli, it would create a fascinating internal battle. The outcome would also influence their future contracts, particularly that of the British driver.
All of this comes without forgetting that Toto Wolff has always shown a strong interest in Max Verstappen. Therefore, if Mercedes were to possess a championship-winning car, the internal fight would also represent an implicit answer to Wolff’s future strategies: who to keep, who to sacrifice, and whether to go all-in on Max Verstappen while continuing to invest in Antonelli.
The journey toward the 2026 season represents a defining moment for Kimi Antonelli as he seeks to transition from a promising rookie to a consistent title threat. By reflecting on the “negative moments” of 2025 and focusing on the solidity required to match George Russell, the young Italian is positioning himself for a breakthrough year. Ultimately, Antonelli’s success will depend on his ability to block out the “Verstappen” comparisons and master the complexities of the new regulations, proving to Toto Wolff and the F1 world that he is the right driver to lead Mercedes into its next golden era.
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