Kimi Antonelli has stated that he by no means thought he would come into the summer time break of Method 1 with the Drivers’ Championship in his palms, and he has attributed that to Mercedes’ going above and past in his rookie season.
The Italian driver has been the shock of the 2026 season, frequently testing the established stars of F1. The Mercedes star has delivered a sequence of mature performances which have catapulted him to the highest of the rankings.
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Antonelli is within the second half of the season as the driving force everyone seems to be on the lookout for, however he says there’s nonetheless loads of room for him to enhance.
Antonelli Did not Anticipate to Lead the Championship
Antonelli, who has change into Mercedes’ latest star, took time to speak about his unimaginable first half of the season and stated the present championship scenario has been a shock.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Staff solutions questions within the TV media pen throughout dash qualifying forward of the F1 Grand Prix of Nice Britain.(Photograph by Jayce Illman/Getty Photographs)
The Mercedes driver stated, “I didn’t look forward to finding myself on this place.”
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The Italian was fast to reward Mercedes for offering him with a automobile that might compete on the entrance of the pack within the first races.
He added, “They’ve performed an unimaginable job.”
Mercedes has been repeatedly refining its package deal all through the 2026 season, and Antonelli has been capable of reap the rewards of that with wins, podiums and championship factors in opposition to different rivals akin to Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
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His cool demeanor beneath strain has been one of many highlights of the season, and the teen has been constant, which is a rarity for a younger F1 driver.
Mercedes Star Maintaining Expectations in Test
Antonelli has been within the lead within the title race with 219 factors, however he isn’t absolutely glad together with his personal outcomes.
The Italian added, “There’s nonetheless a lot of work to do, tons to be taught.”
The teen admitted that the championship battle will not be over but, as there are nonetheless just a few races to be performed after the summer time break in Method 1. Lewis Hamilton is his nearest competitor with 169 factors. Mercedes teammate George Russell stands third at present with 160 factors.
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Antonelli can even know that different groups are prone to make enhancements within the second half of the season, so he cannot afford to be complacent.
But his measured response is the perspective that has endeared him to so many within the paddock. Antonelli is not serious about the championship lead; he is serious about studying and enhancing each weekend.
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports activities on Aug 6, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Racing part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a Most popular Supply by clicking right here.
