Nico Rosberg, world champion of Formula 1 in 2016, has expressed his admiration for the maturity that Kimi Antonelli has shown during the 2026 season. Antonelli has managed to increase his lead in the drivers’ championship after winning his eighth race at the Spanish Grand Prix, placing 81 points ahead of his teammate, George Russell.
Speaking with Sky Sports F1, Rosberg compared Antonelli’s current mental state with the intense pressure he himself experienced during his championship-winning season. “We are all human. He is not superhuman. I was absolutely terrified, and it was hard to drive clearly. As I approached the end of the season, it became impossible to win races or achieve pole because my head was full of fear of losing my dream with a stupid mistake,” Rosberg stated.
The season began with Antonelli as one of the favorites for the title, alongside Russell, who brings great experience. After becoming the youngest driver to lead the championship with two consecutive victories at the Chinese Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix, the Italian has maintained an upward trend.
Many have wondered when Antonelli will feel the championship pressure, but so far he has demonstrated impressive consistency as his first crown approaches.
The head of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, has praised Antonelli, referring to him as “very calm.” “We think he is great, maybe too calm at times. When he brushes the walls, you say: ‘really, again?’ But maybe it’s the way he keeps himself in his zone,” Wolff commented.
As Antonelli continues to demonstrate robust performance, expectations are high for his career in Formula 1, with Wolff emphasizing that the young driver constantly surprises both his team and himself.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
