Nico Rosberg is amazed by Kimi Antonelli's maturity in the 2026 Formula 1 title battle. The 2016 world champion admitted he is stunned by the Mercedes driver's composure under mounting pressure.
Antonelli extended his championship lead with his eighth win of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix. He now sits 81 points ahead of his team-mate George Russell, who is second in the standings. The victory at the Madring circuit proved that the 20-year-old can maintain remarkable consistency throughout the season.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the inaugural race at the Madring circuit, Rosberg compared Antonelli's mindset to his own experience during his 2016 title-winning year. "We are all human. He's not superhuman," Rosberg said. "I was absolutely terrified that it was hard to drive properly. The nearer I got to the end of the season, it was impossible for me to win races or get pole because my brain capacity had so much fear of losing my dream with a stupid mistake or with something which can easily happen."
Rosberg added that sooner or later Antonelli will feel similar pressure. "At some point he will have to feel that a little bit. But it's unbelievable so far how solid and mature he is. Even Toto can't believe it."
Antonelli headed into the 2026 season as one of the main favourites for the title alongside the more experienced Russell. But after becoming the youngest driver to lead the standings following back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, the Italian has gone from strength to strength. Many have questioned when the pressure will get to him, but he continues to perform as his maiden championship title draws closer.
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff described Antonelli as "cool as a cucumber". "I think he's cool - sometimes an inch too cool! When he brushes the wall five laps from the end and comes on the radio 'check the car', you're like 'really, again, white lines, walls' but maybe that's how he keeps himself in the zone," Wolff told Sky Sports F1 in Madrid.
Wolff added that his youth helps him a lot. "Almost his youth helps him a lot because he's 20. He could stay in this sport for 20 years with so many opportunities. He's so above all of our expectations and his own. He's just going with the flow. I think there is also a genetic factor. You are born cool as a cucumber or you're not. You can see this in junior formula or karting - taking pressure easier. He's taken this to another level. We are talking about Formula 1. You see junior drivers crumbling in Formula 2. He's just doing his thing. We told him 'this is a race where we need to bring it home, need to score points whether it's P2 or P5, we don't care, just drive it home'. He does that and goes fast."
With impressive performances and a steely mentality, Antonelli is tightening his grip on the championship. If he can maintain momentum, his first world title is only a matter of time. Both Rosberg and Wolff acknowledge that maturity beyond his years is the key to the young driver's success.
Baca Juga
Edd Straw merilis ranking pembalap F1 GP Spanyol 2026. Norris kehilangan kemenangan karena VSC, Gasly tampil impresif, dan Ocon maksimalkan Haas.
Red Bull jelaskan alasan perintahkan Verstappen serahkan posisi di F1 Spanyol. Keputusan kontroversial demi hindari penalti FIA, Verstappen akhirnya finis P2.
Nico Rosberg takjub dengan kedewasaan Kimi Antonelli di F1 2026. Pembalap Mercedes itu unggul 81 poin atas Russell usai menang di GP Spanyol.
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