Grosjean: Mercedes' support has been key to Antonelli's title charge

Romain Grosjean believes Kimi Antonelli's championship lead is built on more than raw speed — Mercedes' patient support behind the scenes has been just as crucial.

Why it matters:

Antonelli has won five of the opening six rounds and holds an 81-point lead over George Russell. With consistent top-three finishes aside from a Barcelona DNF and P15 at Silverstone, the 20-year-old is on course to become F1's youngest-ever World Champion. Grosjean's read on Mercedes' management explains how a team can turn a promising rookie into a title contender.

The details:

• Speaking on the F1 podcast Beyond The Grid, Grosjean called Antonelli 'incredibly talented' but stressed the environment around him: 'What I see from the outside is how good the management and Mercedes was around him.'
• After a strong start to 2025 and a rough second half, Mercedes helped him recover rather than letting him sink. 'Instead of digging a hole and putting him into that, they actually helped him elevate and gave him so much support that he knew the team was always going to be behind him.'
• The same approach continued after a difficult Australian GP this year: no finger-pointing, just a rebuilt car and full backing.
• The Monza win — where he charged from the back of the grid — was the standout moment.
• Grosjean calls him a generational talent, citing a unique driving style and an unusual resistance to pressure. 'Kimi loves living in the good chaos. He doesn't mind the noise and the agitation and the fans around him.' He draws energy from it, like a nap.

What's next:

With an 81-point cushion, Antonelli has breathing room, but the real test will come if the championship fight tightens. Grosjean's verdict suggests Mercedes' biggest asset isn't just the car — it's the confidence they've built around their young leader.