Kimi Antonelli stands out as the hottest property in Method 1 proper now, however the Mercedes driver shouldn’t be eager about comparisons with one of many sport’s best icons.
Contemporary from securing his fifth consecutive Grand Prix victory at Monaco, Antonelli arrives in Barcelona with a commanding 66-point lead on the prime of the drivers’ championship. The Italian teenager has taken Method 1 by storm in 2026 and is more and more being talked about alongside a few of the most profitable names within the sport’s historical past.
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One comparability that has emerged in latest days is with three-time world champion , notably after Antonelli’s victory across the streets of Monaco.
Senna stays probably the most profitable driver within the historical past of the principality, successful the race six instances and establishing a legacy that has endured lengthy after his demise in 1994.
But regardless of the flattering parallels, Antonelli has made it clear that he’s uncomfortable with being talked about in the identical dialog as his childhood hero.
“No, I have never examine that and, to be truthful, I do not actually additionally just like the comparability as a result of I do not really feel like I needs to be in comparison with somebody who has made the historical past of the game,” Antonelli defined.
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The feedback mirror the maturity that has develop into a defining attribute of the 19-year-old’s exceptional rise by means of the motorsport ranks.
Whereas many younger drivers would embrace such comparisons, Antonelli believes they’re untimely given how little he has achieved in comparison with certainly one of Method 1’s all-time greats.
“I have never carried out not even a single little bit of what he is been in a position to obtain, so I do not really feel prefer it’s very reasonable,” he continued.
Nonetheless, the comparability is comprehensible for a number of causes. Monaco has lengthy been related to Senna’s brilliance, whereas Antonelli himself has typically spoken about his admiration for the Brazilian legend. Rising up, he often watched movies of Senna’s races along with his father and even chosen the quantity 12 as his everlasting Method 1 race quantity as a tribute.
Ayrton Senna followers in Monaco 2025. Picture: RacePictures
Ayrton Senna followers in Monaco 2025. Picture: RacePictures
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Nonetheless, admiration doesn’t imply equivalence in Antonelli’s eyes.
“He is my idol, he is somebody I get impressed by,” he stated. “However I simply really feel prefer it’s probably not truthful to get in comparison with him, particularly at this stage of my profession.”
Regardless of main the championship and looking out more and more like the driving force to beat in 2026, Antonelli insists he nonetheless has a lot to study.
“It is just the start and there is nonetheless a lot to realize, a lot to do and a lot to enhance. And I really feel like I am nonetheless very removed from his stage.”
Antonelli’s performances this season have already exceeded expectations. After Mercedes took the daring resolution to advertise him to Method 1 final season, many questioned whether or not the Italian was prepared for the stress of changing a longtime driver at one of many sport’s largest groups.
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As a substitute, he has responded with a string of mature performances and victories which have put him firmly on target for a maiden world championship.
Picture: RacePictures.
Picture: RacePictures.
But {the teenager} is refusing to develop into distracted by title calculations.
Antonelli is aware of there’s a lengthy option to go earlier than the championship is set, even when no driver in Method 1 historical past has ever misplaced a title after constructing such a considerable benefit.
“In regards to the championship, we’re not actually worrying about it,” he stated.
“In fact, I do know what is the alternative and that the chance is on the desk. And naturally, I wish to make one of the best out of it and attempt to maximise it.”
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Somewhat than specializing in information, statistics or championship situations, Antonelli says his precedence stays unchanged.
“I simply wish to actually concentrate on the method, on what I’ve to do, and attempt to get pleasure from as a lot as doable the driving, the weekend, and simply attempting to drive as quick as doable.”
For a driver already being in comparison with Method 1 legends, that grounded strategy could also be precisely why so many imagine Antonelli is destined for greatness.
