Kimi Antonelli: Feeling 'Stronger' for 2026 and Eyeing Miami Success

Before the F1 circus hits Miami, championship leader Kimi Antonelli is taking stock of what's making him feel "stronger" this year. The young Mercedes driver, who has already made history as F1's youngest-ever championship leader, attributes much of his newfound confidence to the lessons learned during his rookie season.

Antonelli's second year in the sport has seen him secure victories in China and Japan, giving him a nine-point lead over his teammate, George Russell. As he gears up for the Miami Grand Prix, Antonelli shared his thoughts with the media about how he's been spending his April break and what his goals are moving forward.

Experience Breeds Confidence

Reflecting on his rookie year with Mercedes, Antonelli acknowledges that having completed a full season has given him a better understanding of the circuits and race weekends. "I feel stronger and more in control," he says. "Having raced all the tracks last year is definitely helping. I know what to expect, and I'm more relaxed and confident."

The 19-year-old Italian has had a better start to the season than anticipated, which naturally shifts expectations. "The start was better than we hoped for," he admits. But he's cautious about letting this lead to complacency. "I try to keep the same mindset as before, focusing on the present and maximizing every opportunity in the car."

Making the Most of the Break

During the five-week hiatus, Antonelli has been anything but idle. He spent time on his simulator and participated in a Pirelli tyre test to keep sharp. "The break is good, but now it feels a bit too long," he jokes. "I've been training hard to stay fit for the busy schedule ahead, especially with the triple headers later in the year."

With the return to racing imminent, Antonelli's sights are set on picking up where he left off in Japan. "The goal for Miami is to come back even stronger," he declares.

A Strong Partnership with Russell

Despite now being a serious contender alongside his teammate, Antonelli insists that his relationship with Russell remains solid. "There's a lot of respect between us," he says. "We both want to win, but we also want to help the team achieve its goals, like the Constructors’ Championship."

As the season progresses, Antonelli is keen to maintain this balance between personal ambition and team success. "Our relationship is strong and will stay that way," he affirms.

With Miami just around the corner, Antonelli seems well-prepared to continue his impressive run in 2026. Whether he can maintain his lead and navigate the complexities of an intra-team rivalry with Russell will be a narrative worth watching.