Kimi Antonelli Predicts Tight Field for 2026 F1 Season

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli believes the performance gap between teams at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season will be smaller than many expect, forecasting close racing from the outset. The Italian made the comments after driving the new W17 during pre-season shakedown running in Barcelona, where he observed the pace of rival cars.

Why it matters:

Major regulation changes, like those coming in 2026, historically risk creating a large performance spread as teams interpret the new rules differently. A prediction of a tight field from a driver on the ground is a positive sign for competitive racing and could ease fears of a single-team runaway at the start of the new era.

The Details:

• Antonelli completed extensive running in the new Mercedes W17 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, part of a multi-day data-gathering session for most teams.
• He stated the car feels "nice" but emphasized the team still has a significant amount of learning and running to do.
• His optimism for a close grid is based on his visual assessment of the other new cars on track, which he described as looking "really nice and they are quick."
• The driver highlighted managing the new power unit's battery as a key learning curve that all teams will face, suggesting parity may come once this is understood.

Looking Ahead:

Entering his second F1 season, Antonelli is applying lessons from his rookie year to be better prepared. He has worked with his psychologist to review 2025 and set goals for 2026, focusing on maximizing energy and adding cardio training to handle physically demanding races. If his prediction holds true, the 2026 season could deliver the exciting, close battles that fans and the sport crave from a new regulatory cycle.