Source: Official Team Post via X
Kimi Antonelli Likened to Schumacher by Nico Rosberg
Kimi Antonelli has impressed Nico Rosberg, who compares his current form to Michael Schumacher's peak. As Antonelli approaches a potential championship win, his performance has caught the attention of the F1 world.
Kimi Antonelli is on the brink of making history in Formula 1, with Nico Rosberg likening his performance to that of a prime Michael Schumacher. Rosberg, who shared garage space with Schumacher at Mercedes from 2010 to 2012, sees Antonelli's 2026 season as something special. As the season reaches its climax at the United States Grand Prix, the young Italian driver sits comfortably at the top of the standings, leading his teammate George Russell by a hefty 102 points.
Antonelli could clinch the championship in Austin, provided the race results fall in his favor. While the odds are stacked in his favor, Antonelli remains cautious, acknowledging the unpredictability of F1. "It’s crazy to think about it," he said. "But that’s why I won’t think about it."
Rosberg, speaking to Sky Deutschland, praised Antonelli's transformation from last season's struggles to this year's dominance. "Nobody would have thought he’d be driving so brilliantly this year," Rosberg said, calling Antonelli's progression "world-class, Michael Schumacher-level."
Antonelli could become the youngest world champion in F1 history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's record. His potential victory would also mark Mercedes' first driver’s title since Lewis Hamilton's triumph in 2020. Reflecting on the possibility, Antonelli described the chance to follow in Hamilton's footsteps as a "dream" come true.
Despite his youth, Antonelli isn't new to the pressures of championship contention. With titles in ADAC and Italian Formula 4, as well as Formula Regional Middle East and Europe, he’s no stranger to sealing the deal under pressure. "The mindset is very similar," he noted, comparing his current challenge to his past experiences.
He acknowledges, however, that Formula 1 presents a unique level of pressure and competition. "The pressure is a bit more," he admitted. "But the basics are there since karting." Antonelli's grounded approach, focusing on "one race at a time," has served him well this season.
As Antonelli marches toward a possible championship win, he remains focused on maintaining his form and enjoying the journey. "Just have fun," he said, echoing the advice from his race engineer, Peter Bonnington. Whatever the outcome in Austin, Antonelli's future in F1 looks promising.