Cool head Antonelli focused ‘on the present' not the future

Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 season has burst into life with the kind of momentum most drivers only dream of.

Two wins from the opening three races, a commanding lead in the championship, and a Mercedes car that looks like the class of the field – it’s been nothing short of electric for the young Italian.

And yet, amid the growing hype, the 19-year-old charger is refusing to get carried away. Because while the results have been quite remarkable, Antonelli’s focus hasn’t shifted an inch.

“It’s been a better start than what we all anticipated and hoped for, at least on my side,” the Mercedes driver told reports.

“I think definitely it’s been a very strong start of the season. Expectations automatically are a bit different now, but at the end of the day I still try to keep the same mindset as I had in the first three races.”

That mindset? Keep it simple. Stay grounded. Deliver.

Fast start, steady mindset

Mercedes has hit the ground running in Formula 1’s new era, locking out the front row at every race so far. George Russell struck first in Melbourne, an opening salvo following by Antonelli’s successive wins in China and Japan.

But if the outside world is already whispering about titles, Antonelli is deliberately tuning it out.

“[I’m] just trying to keep focusing on what I have to do, on the goal, and just trying to put myself in the best position as possible to then achieve a great result,” he explained.

“What I don’t want to do, now that obviously we’re in a good position, is start to think about the final result or a long-term result.”

Instead, it’s all about execution – one session, one lap, one race at a time.

“I just really want to focus on the present and how I can maximize every time I get in the car in order to get the best result,” Antonelli added;

“Focusing on the process and then little by little trying to raise the bar, raise the game, because obviously George is super strong and competitors will get closer. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, but just trying to raise the bar little by little.”

It’s a mature approach from a driver only in his second season in F1 – and one that’s quickly becoming a hallmark of his early success.

Experience now making the difference

If Antonelli looks more assured this year, there’s a reason. The once-rookie is no longer learning the ropes – he’s building on them.

Returning to circuits for a second time has brought a new level of “confidence” and “control”, something he believes is already paying dividends.

“Overall, I feel stronger, much more. I feel more in control of the situation," he said. "Obviously, having done all the tracks last year, definitely it’s helping this year so far.

“Also, having done a race weekend helps because I know better what to expect. I know better how to move around, how to manage myself during the weekend.”

That familiarity has translated into composure – and speed.

“Definitely, the experience of last year is playing a massive role into this year so far because obviously, I just feel more relaxed, more confident – as I said before, I’m more in control of the situation.”

And with that growing confidence comes quiet ambition—not for the distant future, but for what comes next.

“For sure, this might even help at those tracks where last year I struggled a lot. Let’s see. But obviously, the goal already from my [point of view] is to be back from where we left in Japan or be back even stronger from where we left,” he concluded.

• Read also: Brundle warns Russell: Treat Antonelli like 'peak Hamilton' in title fight

For now, Antonelli sits at the top of the standings, leading a resurgent Mercedes charge in Formula 1’s new era.

But don’t expect him to start thinking about championships just yet.

While others look ahead, Antonelli is locked into the present – and if his start to 2026 is anything to go by, that might be exactly what makes him so hard to beat.

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