Nico Rosberg, Formula 1 champion, has expressed his surprise at the maturity that Kimi Antonelli has shown during the 2026 season. After winning the Spanish Grand Prix, Antonelli has extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, placing 81 points ahead of his teammate George Russell.
Rosberg, in statements to Sky Sports F1, commented on the similarities between Antonelli and the pressure he himself felt during his winning year of 2016. “It’s not superhuman, but his stability is impressive. We are all human and some moments of stress are inevitable,” said Rosberg.
The Italian driver has started his career this year with the support of veteran Russell, and as soon as he achieved two consecutive victories in China and Japan, he became the youngest driver to lead the standings. This season, Antonelli has exceeded expectations, maintaining his solidity despite the pressures that come with fighting for the title.
Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, has also praised Antonelli, describing him as “very calm” and acknowledging that his youth could be a positive factor in staying focused. “He is in a position to be in this sport for years and has shown that he can manage pressure surprisingly well,” commented Wolff.
As the season progresses, the motorsport community watches with interest as Antonelli, at just 20 years old, continues to demonstrate that he can be a key figure in the future of Formula 1.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
