2026-02-08 12:32:38
Andrea Kimi Antonelli feels “more prepared” for the 2026 F1 season.
The Mercedes driver experienced a topsy-turvy rookie campaign last year but explained that he has been working with a psychologist during the winter break to set himself targets for his second campaign in the sport.
Antonelli told the Mercedes website: “I used the break to reflect on the season just gone. I did a few sessions with my psychologist, we looked back and understood what went well and what went wrong in 2025, and that helped to set some goals for this year.
“The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.”
The Italian driver explained that he will tailor his schedule to ensure that he always has as much energy as possible.
Antonelli said: “Looking at the calendar, we will try and maximise the days at home to recharge and avoid extra travelling. We want to make sure I am always at 100 per cent energy to maximise my performance in the car.
“A lot of that will come from the cardio side, we are happy with the strength, but now we want to start working on the cardio, it will really help in those hotter races.”
Antonelli enjoyed getting to spend some time with his family during the off-season but was raring to go when the cars returned to the track at the first pre-season test in Barcelona last week.
The 19-year-old racer said: “It was nice to be at home, but I really loved the build-up to everything, too.
“Coming back to the factory, seeing the car come together, getting on track at Silverstone and then coming to Barcelona. It’s all been really, really cool.”
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