Antonelli outlines 2026 approach to challenge Mercedes teammate Russell

Kimi Antonelli is refining his preparation and mindset for the 2026 Formula 1 season, identifying teammate George Russell as a key "benchmark" he must overcome to achieve his championship ambitions with Mercedes. The Italian rookie, who replaced Lewis Hamilton, acknowledges the value of experience after a debut season of notable highs and learning curves.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's development is crucial for Mercedes' constructor championship hopes. With the team expected to be a title contender in 2026, having both drivers performing at a peak level is essential. His ability to adapt and close the experience gap to a proven race-winner like Russell could be the difference between challenging for wins and dominating a season.

The details:

• Promising Debut: Antonelli's 2025 season featured historic moments, including becoming the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix and set a fastest lap at the Japanese GP, and scoring a Sprint pole in Miami.
• Mid-Season Struggle: His form dipped during the European season, with Team Principal Toto Wolff describing his Italian GP performance as "underwhelming."
• Strong Finish: He rebounded impressively in the final races, securing a podium in Brazil under pressure from Max Verstappen and charging from 17th to 3rd in Las Vegas.
• Final Standings: He ended the year just six points behind the departing Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship.
• Self-Analysis: Antonelli has spent the off-season analyzing his preparation methods from 2025, identifying what worked and what didn't to build a better routine for 2026.

What's next:

Antonelli enters 2026 with clear eyes, accepting that Russell's experience makes him a favorite but viewing their intra-team battle as a "big opportunity." His goal is not just to compete but to win and fight for the world championship. The planned changes to his weekend approach and preparation are aimed at achieving the consistency needed to match Russell's benchmark level. If successful, it would transform Mercedes into a dual-threat team capable of maximizing every race weekend.