2025-12-21 10:36:49
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has “grown a lot mentally” during his first F1 season.
The Italian driver scored three podium finishes during his rookie campaign with Mercedes and reflected on his development over the course of the 24-race championship.
Antonelli told Motorsport.com: “When I think back to Melbourne (the opening Grand Prix) today, I remember how tense I was in the car. Today, it’s completely different. I’ve grown a lot mentally. I feel I’ve been on a journey that has made me more mature in every way.”
The 19-year-old racer explained that his season featured three distinct phases in which his form fluctuated.
Antonelli said: “There was a first phase, which I would say was positive, starting in Melbourne and ending with the Canadian Grand Prix. It was a period of great learning, I had to familiarise myself with the world of Formula 1 by going through a lot of new experiences, many more than I could have imagined before the start of the season.
“After Montreal, a difficult period began, a phase in which I didn’t see the progress I expected. That also had an impact on my morale, it was mentally tough.
“Starting in Baku, the season returned to what I wanted it to be. Now I can say that overcoming a difficult period gave me an extra mental boost. Putting those very tough months behind me was not a given; it was a tough but useful test.”
F1’s new regulations in 2026 provide Mercedes with an opportunity to be frontrunners again and Antonelli is hoping to compete for victories and the world championship before long.
He said: “I am very excited, and I believe it will be a great opportunity for the teams as well as for us drivers. I hope to have a good car, I have great confidence in the team, my dream is to be able to fight for victories and be in the part of the standings that offers a chance at the championship.”
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