Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season in 2025 left Mercedes unsettled as the 19‑year‑old struggled for consistency. Fast‑tracked from F2 straight to Formula One, the Italian earned a sprint pole in Miami and three podiums, yet nine points finishes in the last eighteen races kept him seven places behind teammate George Russell.

Wolff branded the Monza weekend “underwhelming,” and rumours of a move to Alpine or Williams swirled, casting doubt on Antonelli’s fit with the team. The driver admitted he felt “dark” at the Belgian Grand Prix, a moment that sharpened his focus for the 2026 season’s battery‑heavy regulations.

After intensive winter work on battery management, Antonelli returned stronger at Monaco, where Russell’s nimble 2026 cars suited the Italian’s style. Antonelli’s fifth win pushed his championship lead to 66 points over Hamilton, while Russell trails him by 68 points, reshaping the title race.

The teenager now feels in control, admitting he makes occasional mistakes but is far less stressed than the previous year. His confidence, built on hard lessons, signals that Mercedes’ gamble paid off, positioning Antonelli as a serious contender for the 2026 title.