Raikkonen: Piastri couldn't handle pressure, Antonelli must avoid same 'trap'

Kimi Raikkonen has warned that Kimi Antonelli risks falling into the same "trap" that derailed Oscar Piastri's 2025 title campaign. The 2007 world champion believes Piastri could not handle the pressure when leading the championship, while Antonelli's maturity and focus should keep him on track.

Why it matters:

This comparison highlights the psychological challenges of F1 title battles. Piastri's collapse after a 34-point lead allowed Lando Norris to snatch the championship, and now Antonelli faces a similar scenario as he leads George Russell by 43 points after four consecutive wins.

The details:

• Raikkonen praised Antonelli's four consecutive wins as a sign of special talent, but noted that having the right car is essential in every era.
• He stated Piastri "couldn't handle the pressure" when his lead was threatened, contrasting with Antonelli's calm approach. Piastri did recover late in the season but it was too late.
• Antonelli himself downplays the championship focus, emphasizing race-by-race improvement and not relaxing despite the gap. "I'm not thinking about championship," he said.
• The Mercedes teenager leads by 43 points, a larger margin than Piastri ever had over Norris in 2025. Russell's recent DNF widened the gap.

What's next:

Antonelli's maturity will be tested as the season progresses. With Mercedes appearing dominant and Russell eager to fight back, the Italian's ability to maintain focus under pressure will determine if he can avoid Piastri's fate and deliver a first title for Mercedes since 2021.