Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has shared insights into his preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season, emphasizing lessons from his mixed 2025 rookie year. Working with a psychologist during the winter break helped him set goals and refine his approach. He aims to compete strongly against teammate George Russell while focusing on personal growth.
Kimi Antonelli's rookie season in Formula 1 with Mercedes in 2025 was a rollercoaster of achievements and challenges. The 19-year-old Italian started strongly, becoming the youngest driver to lead a grand prix and set the fastest lap at the Japanese Grand Prix. He secured Sprint pole position in Miami and earned his first podium in Montreal. However, the European leg proved tougher, with team principal Toto Wolff describing Antonelli's performance at the Italian Grand Prix as "underwhelming." Form improved in the season's final third, highlighted by a career-best second place in Sao Paulo—where he held off Max Verstappen—and third in Las Vegas after starting 17th on the grid. Antonelli finished just six points behind Lewis Hamilton in the standings, having replaced the seven-time champion at Mercedes.
Reflecting on the year during the winter break, Antonelli collaborated with a psychologist to analyze successes and setbacks. "I used the break to reflect on the season just gone," he said in an interview on Mercedes' website. "I did a few sessions with my psychologist, we looked back and understood what went well and what went wrong in 2025, and that helped to set some goals for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared."
For 2026, Antonelli plans adjustments to optimize performance, including maximizing rest at home to avoid unnecessary travel and building cardio endurance for hotter races. He spent time training and relaxing with family, feeling eager to return to action in January, including sessions at Silverstone and Barcelona. His ultimate goals are straightforward: deliver 100% effort, maintain discipline, and continue personal development. "I would be happy if in December 2026 I was always able to give 100% this year, and say that I got everything out of it, by staying disciplined," he added.
Looking ahead, Antonelli views teammate George Russell as a key benchmark. "George is very, very strong and is definitely ready to fight for a championship and is one of the benchmarks on the grid," he told media, including RacingNews365. "So it is going to be quite fun competing with him." With Mercedes poised as title contenders, Antonelli's refined approach could position him for greater consistency and contention in his sophomore year.
