LONDON
Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli says he feels stronger and more in control as he dominates the start of the Formula One season. The nineteen-year-old Mercedes driver currently leads the world championship, holding a narrow nine-point edge over teammate George Russell. After winning two of the first three races, the young Italian is quickly becoming the new face of the sport.
Antonelli credits his newfound confidence to the lessons learned during his rookie year. By returning to familiar tracks, he feels more relaxed and better equipped to handle the intense pressure of a race weekend. “I feel more in control of the situation now,” Antonelli shared during a recent video call. He noted that having a full season of experience under his belt has allowed him to focus on small improvements and “raise the bar” with every single lap.
The season has faced unusual challenges, with recent races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled due to regional conflict. This unexpected break gave Antonelli time to reflect on his historic achievement as the first Italian since 1953 to win back-to-back races. While he has stayed busy with simulator work and extra fitness training, the young leader is eager to get back behind the wheel.
As the grid prepares for the Miami Grand Prix next month, Antonelli remains wary of his rivals. While Mercedes currently holds a dominant lead, the champion-in-the-making expects the competition to close the gap soon. For now, he is staying focused on the process.
