Kimi Antonelli insists the Formula 1 2026 title fight is far from over, despite holding a comfortable championship lead. The Mercedes driver is 59 points clear of teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with 10 race weekends remaining.
Antonelli has won six grands prix this season, including five consecutive victories from China to Monaco, plus a win in Belgium. The 20-year-old has also delivered solid results on tougher weekends, finishing third in Hungary and second at Zandvoort.
"You need to be happy about it, of course, but at the same time not get carried away and still maintain focus," Antonelli told F1.com. "The job is not done yet. We're only halfway through, and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved."
This position contrasts sharply with his rookie campaign last year, where he struggled through the European rounds and finished seventh with 150 points. Those setbacks, including four retirements, made him stronger mentally.
"Experience is playing a massive role. Last year, despite all the bad moments and difficult periods, that was what I needed because it helped me grow even more than I anticipated. It made me stronger emotionally and mentally," he explained.
Antonelli has also changed his approach off track, spending time with Mercedes mechanics and learning to enjoy racing. "When you understand that you also have to enjoy, it makes the difference. Driving more relaxed, performance comes much easier," he added.
Heading to his home race at Monza this weekend, Kimi Antonelli will drop 10 places on the grid due to a power unit penalty. However, he believes his approach has changed significantly in 12 months. "I'm very excited," he said, marking a big shift from his difficult debut there last year.
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