Daily News 19

Tag: Andrea Kimi Antonelli

  • George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has offered a contrasting assessment of the Mercedes driver lineup, suggesting George Russell is overthinking his approach while championship leader Kimi Antonelli is performing with instinctive ease. The analysis arrives as the paddock prepares for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit in Madrid.

    Montoya Analyzes Mercedes Dynamic After Monza 1-2

    The Brackley-based squad celebrated a dominant 1-2 finish at the recent Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured a remarkable victory in front of his home crowd after starting 19th on the grid, while Russell finished second. Speaking on the F1 TV Weekend Warm-Up show, Montoya highlighted a fundamental difference in how the two drivers are extracting performance from the machinery.

    “He needs to learn and understand why it works so well for Kimi,” Montoya said of Russell.

    “The medium tyres were a little better than people expected on speed, especially as they got older. Actually, the speed stayed, there was really no degradation on those tyres. I think George is trying to overanalyse everything with the driving. He wants to do everything so right.

    “And Kimi is letting it happen more naturally. Kimi is just going for it, and things are working out. It’s like whatever he’s doing is working, and it’s really hard to beat Kimi because he doesn’t seem to get it wrong. His wrongs end up being right.”

    Antonelli’s ‘Unbeatable’ Rhythm

    The Colombian seven-time race winner elaborated on the Italian rookie’s current form, describing a scenario where even errors translate into advantages.

    “He goes through the gravel and he gases it and the car keeps going. He just can’t get it wrong. And when you have that, it’s really hard to beat.

    “George needs to understand the way he’s managing the tyres, maybe he needs to be a little more aggressive and just keep trying. He’s got the guy there. He’s got the information. And I think it’s a good lesson for George to get himself to a better level. The speed is not the question. It’s how the execution is happening.”

    Championship Standings Context

    Heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, the championship picture reflects Antonelli’s strong start to the season. The Mercedes rookie holds a 66-point advantage over his more experienced teammate in the drivers’ standings, underscoring the effectiveness of the natural driving style Montoya described.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    George Russell’s Telling Admission After Monza F1 Defeat to Kimi Antonelli

    Russell Concedes 2026 Title Hopes But Finds Performance Answers as Antonelli Extends Lead

    George Russell has effectively conceded his chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, though the Mercedes driver insists he has identified the reasons behind his difficult campaign relative to team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

    The Briton trails the championship-leading Antonelli by 66 points with ten rounds remaining, a significant deficit for a driver who entered the new regulatory era as the pre-season title favourite. Russell’s struggles have been particularly pronounced during Antonelli’s five-race winning streak earlier in the season.

    Driving Style Mismatch Identified

    Speaking in Monaco amid his team-mate’s dominant run, Russell suggested his naturally smoother driving style is less suited to the 2026 machinery than Antonelli’s more aggressive approach. The 28-year-old has spent much of the season adapting his technique, showing signs of progress since the summer break by outqualifying the 20-year-old in the last three sessions. However, race pace remains a deficit.

    That gap was starkly illustrated at Monza last weekend, where Antonelli produced a sensational drive from 19th on the grid — following an engine-change penalty — to overtake Russell, who started second, and claim victory. The result left the Italian rookie with one hand firmly on his maiden title.

    Russell: “I Do Have an Answer”

    Asked ahead of this weekend’s Madrid Grand Prix if he could explain Antonelli’s superior speed, Russell was candid about his self-analysis.

    “I do have an answer and I’m working on it.

    “I think it’s been much improved. So I’m very pleased with that sort of step I’ve taken because fundamentally changing the driving style, I think, is achievable for a lot of drivers.

    “But then actually being fast with it is another topic and I feel my performance since the summer break has been, you know, I’ve qualified ahead of him in the three qualifying sessions.

    “My race pace has been on a par with him in these two races and I couldn’t say that pre-break. So, as I said, I’m definitely very pleased with that progression. We’ll have to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

    Title Realism Sets In

    Despite the recent qualifying gains, Russell acknowledges the championship picture is bleak. The situation represents a dramatic reversal from 2025, when Russell arguably enjoyed his best season yet, maximising the W16 to finish fourth while Antonelli endured an up-and-down rookie campaign in seventh.

    “I definitely need some luck and I need some good performances,” added Russell. “It’s not really something I’m thinking about because, as I said, right now he’s performing better than me.

    “So he deserves to be leading the championship. There’s still a long way to go, but he’s yet to have a bad weekend in terms of performance. So he’s performing exceptionally well.

    “My performances are better, but if I want to win this championship, I’m going to need some luck on the way.

    “But it’s not something I’m focused on. I’m focused on driving faster and just finding more performance.”

    Antonelli Refuses Championship Mindset

    For his part, Antonelli insists he is not thinking about the title either. The Italian views his Monza comeback — charging from the back to win — as proof that a championship-focused mindset would be detrimental.

    “I don’t even know how many races are left. Eight? Ten, so still a long way to go,” said Antonelli.

    “I don’t really want to drive thinking about the championship. Monza was proof that I wasn’t driving, thinking about or worrying about the championship, I was just driving to win, to do my best and that’s the mindset.

    “Of course, there might be an occasion in the future where, before taking a certain decision, I might think about the championship.

    “But the thing I want to avoid is driving, going on track for a free practice or a qualifying or even a race, thinking about or worrying about the championship. That’s the thing I want to avoid at all costs!”

    With ten races remaining, the mathematical possibility of a Russell fightback exists, but both drivers appear aligned in their focus: extracting maximum performance each weekend rather than calculating championship permutations.

  • Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton: I Don’t Want Preferential Treatment from Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions that Ferrari should prioritize his championship bid over team-mate Charles Leclerc, insisting his focus remains on collective execution rather than preferential treatment. The seven-time world champion finds himself 76 points behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli with 10 rounds remaining, while Leclerc’s retirement at the Italian Grand Prix leaves him 112 points adrift—assuming the final races proceed unaffected by the Iran conflict.

    Hamilton Rejects Number One Driver Status

    Despite holding a mathematically viable path to the title, Hamilton pushed back against the narrative that Ferrari should funnel resources toward his campaign. When asked if the Scuderia should put all efforts behind him and have Leclerc play a supporting role, Hamilton responded directly:

    “That’s not actually really what I’ve been asking for.

    “It’s really just making sure we’re executing to make sure we get the best result for the team. Instead of us working against each other and finishing fourth and fifth, maybe we can work together and get a podium, pull off more points.”

    Consistency Keeps Hamilton in Contention

    Hamilton’s championship relevance stems largely from remarkable consistency: he is the only driver to finish every grand prix inside the top ten this season, with his lowest result being sixth. Yet he remains acutely aware of Ferrari’s fundamental deficit relative to Mercedes, particularly in power unit performance. Ferrari has yet to secure a single pole position in 2026.

    Quantifying the Straight-Line Deficit

    Hamilton provided specific data on the performance gap, highlighting the straight-line disadvantage that has defined Ferrari’s season:

    “Mercedes, if you look at the last race, they were six tenths a lap quicker on the straights,” Hamilton pointed out. “Pretty much most of the other tracks, it was three or four tenths. We were losing just on the straights.

    “I think we’ve done a really great job, given that we’ve had that deficit, and we continue to make improvements to the car. We’ve made improvements to the engine. We knew that the last [engine] upgrade wasn’t going to be a silver bullet and close that gap completely. But for me, it’s really positive to see us continuously stepping forward. They are just very, very quick, and it’s not easy.”

    Focus on Internal Execution Over External Rivals

    Rather than fixating on Mercedes’ advantage, Hamilton emphasized a strategy centered on operational excellence and capitalizing on opponent errors:

    “As I said, rather than focus on them – they’re not a focus for me at the moment – I think our focus should just be, how we can do the best and execute the best on our weekends, because there’ll be weekends where they’re exceptional, and there’ll be weekends where they maybe drop the ball.

    “As long as we just focus on our consistency and trying to optimise our weekends, maybe there’s going to be a moment where we are able to capitalise on, perhaps, their shortcomings.”

    That approach already yielded a signature victory earlier this season, when Hamilton beat Antonelli and George Russell to win the Barcelona Grand Prix—proof that maximizing Ferrari’s package can overcome the straight-line deficit on the right weekend.

  • Monza’s Most Magical Home Wins: From Ascari to Antonelli

    Monza’s Most Magical Home Wins: From Ascari to Antonelli

    F1 Hall of Fame Journalist David Tremayne Recalls Emotional Monza Victories for the Tifosi

    Formula 1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne reflects on the most stirring wins witnessed by the passionate Tifosi at the historic Monza circuit.

    The Italian Grand Prix at Monza has long served as a stage for unforgettable moments, where the sea of red in the grandstands amplifies every triumph. Tremayne, a veteran chronicler of the sport, revisits those races where emotion peaked for Ferrari’s devoted followers.

    A Legacy of Passion at the Temple of Speed

    Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed,” holds a unique place in Formula 1 history. For the Tifosi—Ferrari’s famously fervent fan base—a victory here transcends mere points; it is a cultural event. Tremayne’s retrospective highlights how specific drives have etched themselves into the collective memory of motorsport’s most dedicated supporters.

    From dramatic last-lap overtakes to dominant home-soil performances, the selected victories underscore the deep connection between the Scuderia, the circuit, and its fans. The analysis offers context on why these particular wins resonated so profoundly amid the noise and color of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

  • Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that even he has been caught off guard by the meteoric rise of Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season, comparing the young Italian’s development curve to an “AI agent” that continuously self‑improves.

    From Rookie Struggles to Title Contention

    The 20‑year‑old is contesting only his second full F1 campaign after being fast‑tracked into the Silver Arrows seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 season. His debut year was a roller‑coaster: flashes of brilliance were interrupted by a nine‑race point‑less streak that included a difficult weekend at Spa‑Francorchamps. Critics questioned Wolff’s faith in the rookie, but the Austrian remained steadfast.

    “Last year was according to plan,” Wolff said. “I’ve said there are going to be moments of brilliance, difficult moments. I think he started the season at a time when he found himself like a deer in the headlights. In his zone, in the car, extraordinary performances already, but not continuous. Then he had this negative spell where he made over nine races without scoring points. I remember Spa was terrible for him and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I for the first time said to him, ‘listen, you’ve got to wake up here’. But never doubting. That’s why we gave him the opportunity.”

    Winter Break Sparks Transformation

    The narrative flipped after the off‑season. Mercedes returned to the front of the grid under the new technical regulations, and Antonelli’s form surged in lockstep. He now heads the Drivers’ Championship with a 66‑point cushion over seasoned teammate George Russell—a gap Wolff concedes nobody anticipated.

    “He came out after the winter, out of the blocks in a way that no one saw coming,” Wolff explained. “The ability, how he processed last year. He’s been at all the races. He’s seen the pressure of the media, the attention that he gets. It’s in a way that the system has been processed and saved. And that’s why [he’s had] the results that we’ve seen afterwards.

    “But it is still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it’s like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That’s the speed. Also his age is for sure beneficial. The ability cognitively, intellectually to constantly become better.”

    Antonelli Stays Grounded Despite Lead

    Despite a standout victory at Monza—where he charged from 19th on the grid after taking an engine penalty—Antonelli refuses to look beyond the next session. After the Italian Grand Prix he told Sky Sports he is simply taking the championship race by race.

    “I just take race by race because you never know what can happen,” Antonelli said. “Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. We will have to be on top of the game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

    Next Stop: Madrid’s Madring Circuit

    Formula 1 resumes this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, which moves from Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya to the brand‑new Madring layout. The unfamiliar venue presents another test for Antonelli as he bids to extend his championship advantage in what is shaping up to be a breakthrough sophomore campaign.

  • Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticized Mercedes’ strategy during the Italian Grand Prix, arguing the team compromised George Russell’s race victory chances by failing to double-stack their drivers under the Virtual Safety Car.

    Montoya Questions Mercedes Pit Strategy at Monza

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at Monza, led by home favorite Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie recovered from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian winner at the circuit since 1966. However, Russell controlled the early phases of the race and appeared the primary candidate for victory before a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period altered the complexion of the Grand Prix.

    The British driver was leading at the time but was left out on track while Antonelli pitted. The Italian subsequently sliced through the field and overtook his teammate for the win.

    Montoya: Russell Should Have Received Priority Stop

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show, Montoya argued Mercedes should have given Russell the priority pitstop.

    “He was leading and he should have had the priority on the pitstop. When that virtual safety car came, at that point, it’s quicker to stop than staying out. They should have stopped him, they should have double-stacked him, and he should have stopped ahead of Antonelli,” the Colombian explained.

    “And I’m not saying Antonelli wouldn’t still catch him and win the race, but it would have been a really close fight like we saw earlier on. It would have been a really cool race at the end for all of us.”

    Wolff Defends Strategy, Cites Tyre Constraints

    Team principal Toto Wolff addressed suggestions the Brackley outfit’s strategy favoured Antonelli.

    “The two-stop was the best but we didn’t think it was the case, so that was good for him actually,” he told Sky Sports F1 after the race.

    “But today there was nothing that would have stopped him [Antonelli]. George fought with worn-out tools at the end, so I’m really happy for the one-two.”

    When asked if there were any alternative strategic options for Russell, Wolff added:

    “No, George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance.”

  • Was Russell Hindered or Was It Antonelli Brilliance? F1 Q&A

    Was Russell Hindered or Was It Antonelli Brilliance? F1 Q&A

    Andrew Benson Answers Fan Questions Following Italian Grand Prix

    BBC Sport Formula 1 correspondent Andrew Benson has responded to a new batch of reader questions in the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The session covers key talking points from the race weekend, offering expert analysis on team strategies, driver performances, and championship implications.

    Post-Race Analysis and Fan Interaction

    The Q&A format allows fans to submit specific queries regarding on-track incidents, technical developments, and the shifting competitive order. Benson draws on his extensive paddock access and historical knowledge to provide context behind the headlines from the Temple of Speed.

    Key Topics Addressed

    • Race-defining moments and strategic decisions
    • Driver performances and championship standings impact
    • Technical updates and team development directions
    • Upcoming race weekend expectations

    Readers can find the full exchange on the BBC Sport website, where Benson continues to bridge the gap between the F1 paddock and the global audience throughout the season.

  • Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli described his Italian Grand Prix victory as a “dream come true” in a message to fans after becoming the first home driver to win at Monza since 1966.

    Antonelli Overcomes Grid Penalty to Claim Historic Monza Win

    The 20-year-old Italian recovered from an engine penalty that dropped him to 19th on the starting grid to win Sunday’s race. Antonelli passed teammate George Russell in the closing stages to secure his seventh victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Italian Driver Thanks Monza Crowd on Social Media

    Taking to social media on Monday morning, Antonelli thanked the local crowd for their reception during the post-race podium ceremony.

    “P1 at home!! It’s hard to describe yesterday. It’s a dream come true,” Antonelli posted. “What I experienced is something I will never forget, the Monza podium is indescribable, the warmth of all the fans and the sea of people that never ends.

    “I really want to thank all the people who made this possible and who are making this year special.”

    Championship Lead Extended After Monza Triumph

    Following his win at Monza, Antonelli extended his lead in the drivers’ standings. He now holds a 66-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell, who sits second in the championship.

    Antonelli Refuses to Get Ahead of Himself in Title Fight

    Antonelli was quizzed on the championship fight after the race. When asked by Sky Sports F1 if he was now of the mindset that the title is his to lose, he explained:

    “No, not at all. I just take race by race because you never know what can happen. Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. 

    “We will have to be on top of our game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

  • Why Toto Wolff Already Knew Kimi Antonelli “Would Walk on Water” at F1 Italian GP

    Why Toto Wolff Already Knew Kimi Antonelli “Would Walk on Water” at F1 Italian GP

    Just as Pierre Gasly delivered AlphaTauri a shock victory at Monza six years ago, 6 September 2026 became another historic date at the Temple of Speed. Home favorite Kimi Antonelli ignited the Italian tifosi with a stunning comeback drive, turning a weekend that began with tears after Charles Leclerc’s heavy Parabolica crash into pure euphoria.

    From 19th on the Grid to Victory Lane

    Antonelli’s triumph appeared impossible on paper. A power-unit change relegated him to 19th on the starting grid, a strategic move designed to remove pressure rather than chase glory. Yet the championship leader had already carved his way up to 12th by the time a red flag neutralized the race. After the restart, he sliced through the field with surgical precision, producing what he later described as the best Formula 1 victory of his young career.

    Wolff’s Premonition: “He’s Going to Walk on Water Here”

    Fernando Alonso’s podium prediction for Antonelli seemed optimistic, but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff sensed something extraordinary brewing. He revealed the conviction he felt even before lights out:

    “I thought one of our two drivers was going to win. Either George, because he was on pole [Russell started second behind Gasly in the race], or Kimi, because he’s going to walk on water here in Monza. And I felt that yesterday also.”

    Wolff explained that the feeling crystallized after qualifying, rooted in the driver’s demeanor and a conversation with Antonelli’s father:

    “It’s been a while that I’ve seen driver’s energy levels, attitude, mindset, or behavioural patterns, and I knew that that was his mission today, to win the race.
    “I chatted with his father yesterday and the father also saw that coming.
    “These are those moments where you can see how a weekend is panning out through the sessions, feeling that a special moment could come. But it’s still a mechanical sport, so it can change quickly.”

    A Victory for the History Books

    Only John Watson’s 1983 Long Beach win from 22nd on the grid surpasses Antonelli’s climb from 19th. Asked where this ranks among his most memorable F1 victories, Wolff answered with characteristic pragmatism:

    “This sounds very unromantic now, but I forget about wins,” he said. “There’s a few that I remember. Maybe my first one, but it isn’t as glamorous as you would like. It’s Pastor Maldonado in Barcelona. Or Nico Rosberg with Mercedes-Benz, the first one in Monaco. And Lewis Hamilton winning in Singapore.
    “So there’s a few of these big ones. And certainly this is one that I will remember.”

    Full Circle: From FP1 Crash to “Biggest Glory”

    Beyond the on-track heroics, Wolff highlighted the profound narrative arc. Two years earlier, Antonelli endured a heavy crash during his Formula 1 practice debut at Monza in FP1 — a moment Wolff called “probably the toughest moment in his career for himself and his family.”

    “It’s how the circle closed,” he said. “Two years ago in FP1, it was probably the toughest moment in his career for himself and his family. A moment where everyone doubted, including himself.
    “And then two years later, it’s the biggest glory, the biggest moment of his career that’s probably going to be one of his biggest moments overall in the future.
    “Even if he wins another 200 grand prix, that one will always remain special. And I think that’s the perspective under which I want to see it.”

    Antonelli’s Monza masterclass stands as a testament to resilience, timing, and the unique magic of the Italian Grand Prix — a victory that transcends statistics and etches itself into Formula 1 folklore.

  • Toto Wolff Uneasy After Mercedes Drivers Clash at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster”

    Toto Wolff Uneasy After Mercedes Drivers Clash at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster”

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted the on-track battle between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the Italian Grand Prix “could have ended in disaster” and left the team looking “like idiots” after the pair traded the lead repeatedly at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Charge from 19th Sets Up Teammate Duel

    Starting 19th on the grid due to a power-unit penalty, Antonelli carved through the field to reach second place within 16 laps. A 12-lap wheel-to-wheel fight with Russell followed, with the Silver Arrows swapping the race lead several times before a virtual safety car (VSC) period allowed Antonelli to pit. He rejoined 14 seconds behind his teammate but, on fresher tyres, closed the gap rapidly and launched a decisive attack with six laps remaining.

    Late-Race Scare at Turn 2

    The climax arrived on lap 49 when Russell ran wide at Turn 2 while defending, and Antonelli slid into the gravel trap on the marbles. Both cars recovered to secure a Mercedes 1-2 — Antonelli leading Russell by four seconds, with Max Verstappen third, 15 seconds adrift — but the moment left Wolff visibly tense.

    Wolff: “We Would Have Looked Like Idiots”

    Speaking after the race, Wolff revealed he had his finger on the radio button to intervene but held back.

    “We’re trying to anticipate possible scenarios, and the two of them have been great in understanding and embracing the team component – which is difficult for a race driver that tries to win a grand prix, especially for Kimi in Monza, especially for George, who needs to keep scoring points in order to stay in the Toto Wolff uneasy as Mercedes drivers fought at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster” race,” the Austrian pondered. “But they’ve always been clean.”

    “At times, we were thinking, ‘It’s clean, but it’s a bit close’. And I had a finger on the button to Marcus, to Bono, to Kimi, to George, but I didn’t push it.”

    “The last incident was unfortunate. George tried to not cut the corner, and Kimi then obviously on the marbles, going straight, and that could have ended up in a disaster when it comes to the race result. We would have looked like idiots.”

    “We will be talking about that situation as another building block of how we want to race in the future. But I think it was worth to show the racing spirit in the team and have them go at each other.”

    Russell Ruues Lost Duel After VSC Pitstop

    Russell acknowledged parallels to the drawn-out Mercedes fight at the Canadian Grand Prix but expressed frustration that the VSC timing ended their extended battle.

    “I would have loved to have continued on the same strategy because I felt in a good position in that battle,” he said. “I sort of knew exactly what I needed to do with the energy management to defend, but also when to attack and make those moves, and I put a lot of preparation into this race in that regard.

    “Then, of course, when the VSC came out, it kind of came out at that perfect point for the drivers to pull the trigger and take the pitstop. And, yeah, here we are.”

    Championship Implications

    With his fifth consecutive winless weekend, Russell now trails Antonelli by 66 points in the drivers’ standings, underscoring the shifting dynamic within the Mercedes garage as the Italian rookie announces himself as a genuine title contender.