Antonelli expects a tough race: “It isn't going to be easy”

Written by Bo Helmus

Antonelli is on a winning streak | Credit: Formula One

Kimi Antonelli is having a dream start to the 2026 Formula One season. The 19-year-old has won two out of three races and he is currently leading the driver’s championship, the youngest driver to ever do so. Mercedes are flying. Is there anything that other teams can do to stop them? 

This weekend is extra special for Antonelli. It’s his first time he’s going into a race whilst leading the championship. And not just any race, but one where he performed well last time around: “Very exciting to be back here, where I got my first Sprint pole last year.” 

Upgrades

The teams have had a month since the last race, and plenty of time to find ways to improve their cars. The Italian driver explains the situation going into the race: “It is going to be a very interesting weekend for us, we are only bringing very small things while other teams are bringing big upgrades. Let’s see, let’s see how we are going to do. For sure they will get closer, so we might have to fight more this weekend.” 

Mercedes have maximised their start of the season, but the other teams are closing in. Antonelli said: “A month ago was a good moment with China and Japan back to back. But now it is a new start, and I have to be ready. As it is not going to be easy, so it is important to keep, or increase, the level.” 

Mercedes have scored maximum points so far this year | Credit: Formula One

A good mindset

The competition is getting closer, and will soon start breathing down Mercedes’ neck. But that doesn’t make the young driver nervous: “Ferrari and McLaren have good pace, Red Bull will get closer. So on my side, I will just focus race by race. Not think about the end goal of the championship, just think race by race.”

That is a mature mindset for someone who has only graduated from high school last year. Antonelli explains how he does it: “I have a really good group of people around me, including Bono [Peter Bonnington]. He is keeping me grounded first of all, and then trying to guide me as he has so much experience.”

He looks up to his teammate as well: “I have a super strong teammate in George [Russell], who is quick. And our competitors will get closer so I need to keep raising the bar, and maximise the performance.” 

Antonelli remains grounded despite his success in the early stages of the season | Credit: Formula One

Keeping busy

How do you keep raising the bar if it’s already up in the sky? F1's newest championship leader explains he did not sit still in the month off: “I’ve been doing some driving, some GT3, one day in karting, a Pirelli test, so still able to get some mileage in.  Been making the best of it, lots of simulator too. But it felt long, this break, so it is good to be back.”

Things are looking good for the young Italian, but he remains realistic: “Obviously, the goal is to maintain this position until the end of the year, but it will be a tough fight.”

Let’s hope for Antonelli that he can keep up the good work here in Miami.