– Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli is one of the surprises of this season. Although the Silver Arrows were already considered favorites for the World Championship title before the start, hardly anyone would have predicted that the 19-year-old Italian would win two of the first three races.
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To ensure this form continues after the five-week “spring break,” Antonelli has developed a clear plan to perform even stronger at the next race in Miami. The Mercedes driver wants to use his time “definitely in the simulator for race starts.”
“I will soon receive the steering wheel with all my settings. Let’s say I’m already thinking about how I can work on these starts to improve.” Because this is exactly where the 19-year-old Italian’s biggest weakness has been so far.
Like Vettel in 2008: First Antonelli victory after first pole I F1 China Race 2026
In the first three races as well as in the sprint in China, Antonelli lost a total of 18 positions in the first lap of the race. “In Japan on Sunday, I didn’t enjoy the victory as much as I wanted to because I was upset about the start,” the Italian admits in an interview with Sky.
Race start is a weakness of Kimi Antonelli
No wonder: In Suzuka, Antonelli had secured pole position but fell back to sixth place in the first lap. Only a safety car phase brought him back to the front. “Of course, I was aware that I was very lucky despite that.”
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“I was happy with how I was able to take the opportunity, and also with the race pace,” says the current championship leader. “But I was very angry about the start. It was really shocking; something like that makes you want to pull your hair out. I’m already working on it.”
How else is the 19-year-old using the time until the next race in Miami? “I’ll do a GP2 test, then a Pirelli Formula 1 test, and a few days of karting,” Antonelli reveals with regard to the rescheduled Pirelli test, which is set to take place on April 14 and 15 at the Nürburgring.
“And maybe a GT day if possible, but that’s not certain,” adds the Mercedes driver, who will certainly not be using the five-week break for recovery in the traditional sense. “It will definitely be a break focused on the track, simulator, home work, and training.”
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