Kimi Antonelli Interview: Mercedes Driver on His Transformation in F1
Cookies on the BBC website
We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Strictly necessary cookies are on by default. Additional cookies are off by default.
Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies Let me choose
BBC Homepage Skip to content Accessibility Help
Sign in
Home
News
Sport
Business
Technology
Health
Culture
Arts
Travel
Earth
Audio
Video
Live
More menu
BBC Sport
Menu
Home
Football
Cricket
Formula 1
Rugby U
Tennis
Golf
Cycling
Athletics
More
A-Z Sports
American Football
Athletics
Basketball
Boxing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
Disability Sport
Football
Formula 1
Gaelic Games
Golf
Gymnastics
Horse Racing
Mixed Martial Arts
Motorsport
Netball
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Snooker
Swimming
Tennis
Full Sports A-Z
More from Sport
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Quizzes
News Feeds
Help & FAQs
Formula 1
Latest
Results
Standings
Calendar
Teams & Drivers
Send us a question
The Moment Antonelli Knew He Had Been Transformed as an F1 Driver
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' championship by 81 points going into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
By Andrew Benson, F1 Correspondent
Published 59 minutes ago
Kimi Antonelli says he knew from the first moment he drove this year's Mercedes that he would be transformed as a Formula 1 driver in 2026.
The 20-year-old Italian, who is running away with the world championship in only his second season in F1, shares his breakthrough year in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport.
A Difficult Debut Season
"It was just a few laps in the wet," Antonelli recalls, "but I just felt better in the car, much better than I felt last year. Also, the car felt well, but I just felt better mentally in the car. Less tense, more relaxed, and more mature."
Last year, he admits, was "not great". "I was driving very tense most of the time, I wasn't able to extract the potential out of me."
A New Mindset
Fast forward eight months, and the results speak for themselves. After 14 grands prix, with either eight or nine remaining, Antonelli is a massive 81 points clear of team-mate George Russell. Not only that, but he looks so in control—always fast, always composed.
Even Antonelli is surprised by his progress: "I am still finding my way," he says.
Key Moments of Realisation
The turning point came early this year after a crash during practice in Australia. Despite the setback, Antonelli was able to push again, demonstrating resilience and mental strength.
"The crash definitely compromised qualifying and the race because we couldn't set up the car properly," he explains. "But it was not easy. Still being able to stay close [to Russell] is a testament to our work."