boss Toto Wolff reckons his star teen is displaying all of the “traits” to turn out to be an all-time Formulation 1 nice after clinching pole for the British Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old beat ’s by virtually two tenths for his fifth pole of 2026, on the identical day that Antonelli overtook to win the Silverstone dash race.
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Antonelli’s pole is much more spectacular contemplating that for the ultimate runs in Q3 he was despatched out on observe first, prompting an indignant response from him, however one thing he nonetheless overcame.
So it’s the newest installment within the sophomore’s domination of the present marketing campaign as 5 wins in eight leaves him high of the championship and 43 factors forward of team-mate in second.
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“He hasn’t gained the world championship but, so we all the time want to think about the massive image as a result of he’s being in comparison with the good ones,” Wolff advised Sky Sports activities.
“I believe he has all of the traits to be an important one, however you should lock within the outcomes and yeah, he doesn’t present any weaknesses.
“He was just a little bit on the again foot, no downside, as any driver, you don’t wish to be despatched out first. He made that remark within the pitlane after which parked it. It’s compartmentalised. It doesn’t play any position in his potential to drive quick.”
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
If Antonelli turns into world champion in 2026 then he would be the youngest to ever achieve this, breaking the present document held by who was 23 years and 134 days when he gained in 2010.
So the Italian’s kind is definitely spectacular and much more so when one considers the bounce he has created from 2025, the 12 months he endured an especially up-and-down rookie marketing campaign.
There have been instances when the Mercedes driver made key errors, allowed the pressures of his house races get to him, and scored simply two factors finishes throughout the center 9 grands prix.
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Antonelli ultimately completed seventh within the championship and 169 factors behind the impressively constant Russell, who was the heavy pre-season favorite for the 2026 title.
Wolff added: “It’s a pleasure to look at. You’ll be able to see the delta time getting quicker and quicker and quicker and no errors. I’d say he’s actually performing contemplating it’s solely his second 12 months. He’s acting on such a excessive degree.
“He had a extremely unhealthy run final 12 months and George was working very effectively. However I believe he’s most likely sufferer to the strain, to the brand new atmosphere that comes upon you – he was simply 18.
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“In that approach, it’s outstanding how he got here out of the blocks firstly of this 12 months. It’s virtually like, skilled, mature, however he’s simply 19.”
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