Kimi on Kimi: Raikkonen backs Antonelli to win F1 title

Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion known for his legendary coolness, believes fellow Finn-named Kimi Antonelli has the mental armor to win the F1 title. The teenager's stunning 2026 campaign — including four consecutive Grand Prix victories — has transformed him from prospect into championship frontrunner, and Raikkonen sees a driver equipped for the long fight.

Why it matters:

Raikkonen's endorsement carries unusual weight. He built a Hall-of-Fame career on emotional control, and he recognizes the same inner calm in Antonelli. With the Mercedes driver sitting atop the standings, his title ambitions are now taken seriously by even the most skeptical observers.

The Details:

• Mental toughness: "Antonelli won't lose focus; he's showing maturity," Raikkonen told Quotidiano Nazionale. He warned Antonelli to avoid Imitating Oscar Piastri's 2025 collapse: "At one point, the Australian seemed to have the title in his pocket, but he couldn't handle the pressure. The Italian won't fall into the same trap."
• Consistency: Raikkonen noted Antonelli's resilience is no accident. "You can see it in the way he approaches the races… You don't win four consecutive Grands Prix unless you have special talent." He acknowledged the importance of having the right car but stressed it has always been that way.
• Max still the benchmark: Despite Antonelli's rise, Raikkonen instantly named Max Verstappen as the grid's strongest driver. "I saw him arrive in F1 during my second stint at Ferrari. Max is a phenomenon… He won his first race in Spain right in front of me, ten years ago. That's when I realized a star was born."
• Ferrari's long wait: Raikkonen reflected on nearly two decades since his 2007 title for the Scuderia. "When I left at the end of 2018, I hoped the team would quickly find a successor. It hasn't happened yet, but from afar I see encouraging signs."

What's next:

Antonelli's four-race winning streak has sent shockwaves through the championship. With Raikkonen's endorsement and his proven ability to handle pressure, the young Italian carries both a famous first name and a nation's hopes. The next test will be maintaining that form as the season intensifies.