Leader of the world championship after winning four of the first five races of the 2026 season, the young Mercedes driver believes that his opponents now see him differently.
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The exceptional start to the season of Kimi Antonelli continues to transform his status in Formula 1.
Despite a comfortable 43-point lead in the championship, Antonelli refuses to get carried away.
Keeping feet on the ground
“The season is still long, we all know that, he reminded. I am happy because the team is doing a great job and I want to repay that trust by giving my best at every race.”
The Italian driver also spoke about his relationship with his teammate George Russell, which became tense during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend: “The battle with George will be tough throughout the season, but we do not want to get into conflicts that could put the team in trouble.”
Antonelli even revealed having discussed with the Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, about the famous rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2016: “Toto explained to me what worked well and what went wrong back then. He especially told us what not to repeat, because the team must always remain the priority.”
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Mutual respect
The championship leader believes that his performances have already changed how other drivers perceive him: “I know they now look at me with respect because I have shown what I am capable of. I try to send a clear message: I want to stay ahead. That is my goal.”
Despite his meteoric rise, he assures that success has not changed him: “I am exactly as you see me and I do not want to change. Obviously, on the track, it is completely different.”
Then he summed up with a phrase that perfectly illustrates his new approach to Formula 1: ” The angelic face only exists off the circuit. Because F1 is a pool full of sharks: either you eat, or you are eaten.”
A friendship with Verstappen
Antonelli also revealed having formed a friendly relationship with the four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
“We talk about GT, Formula 1, but also about our private lives, he testifies. In the end, outside the paddock, we are just normal people. “
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