Antonelli Admits F1 Future Doubts Amidst Tough European Race Form

Andrea Kimi Antonelli admitted he experienced "doubts" about his Formula 1 future during a challenging period in his debut season with Mercedes, but now feels more secure after securing a contract extension. Antonelli and teammate George Russell both had their new Mercedes contract extensions announced recently, with Antonelli on an initial one-year deal likely featuring an option for 2027.

Why it matters:

Securing Antonelli for 2026 solidifies Mercedes' long-term driver strategy, ensuring stability and continued development for a highly touted young talent. This move also quells persistent rumors surrounding potential driver changes, allowing the team and Antonelli to focus entirely on performance as F1 transitions to new regulations.

The Details:

• Antonelli faced intense speculation during a difficult series of European races, marked by mechanical issues, a qualifying crash in Monaco, a collision with Max Verstappen in Austria, and an incident with Isack Hadjar at Silverstone.
• This challenging spell coincided with rumors about Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes, adding further pressure.
• Despite securing his first F1 podium in Canada, Antonelli scored only three points across the European races, a lean period that fueled his self-doubt.
• His form has since rebounded in the flyaway races, with a fourth-place finish in Azerbaijan and a fifth in Singapore.
• Antonelli praised Mercedes for their consistent support and clear communication throughout this period, which ultimately reaffirmed their commitment to him.
• The confirmed contract, despite being known, has provided him with a sense of relief and greater focus for the upcoming season.

What's Next:

Antonelli acknowledged that his future beyond 2026 hinges on his performance, particularly with the new regulations set to shake up the grid. He understands the need to consistently deliver strong results, especially with a year of experience under his belt.

• "If we have the car, it's going to be really important for me to really maximise the result and to really perform at my best, especially if I want the seat for '27 and beyond," Antonelli stated.
• His focus will be on maximizing every opportunity in 2026, which represents a "massive opportunity" with the new technical rules for all teams.