Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli was forced to retire his car just after he was able to beat teammate Russell in the fight for P2, behind Lewis Hamilton, in the F1 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP.
It was a weekend to forget for Antonelli. After missing FP1 and struggling in FP2 and FP3, the Mercedes driver was just able to qualify P3 for the race. For the first time in 2026, Antonelli started outside of the first row. His luck did not improve in the race, when the young Italian did not finish, ending with no points in the race for the first time this season.
After the lights went out, it was a clean start. Antonelli struggled with track limits, but mainly stayed behind Russell and Hamilton. As a virtual safety car was called out, Hamilton’s risk paid off as he pitted and kept the lead. With 5 laps to go, Antonelli continuously attacked Russell and finally overtook him as he was much faster on the hard tyre. Yet, the young driver was forced to retire immediately after as his Mercedes broke down.
Antonelli on some highlights on a disappointing race in Barcelona-Catalunya
Speaking to Sky, Antonelli was asked whether he could take some consolation in being the quicker Mercedes on Sunday. With a battle through his final laps, the Italian had managed to overtake Russell on track.
Antonelli answered: “I think we were the quickest on track today.”
He reflected: “Okay, Lewis, At the end he was very quick. But in the second stint we were super quick. The way we came back from the back. And yes, the pace was good. It was very good.
“Of course, Lewis after the VSC was not possible to catch.”
The young driver who arrived at Mercedes in 2025, replacing Hamilton as he left for Ferrari, took a minute to congratulate the seven-time World Champion on his first win with his team.
“By the way, I’m very happy for him. For his win. It’s good to see that he got his first win with Ferrari,” Antonelli wished Hamilton.
“But on my side, yes, very disappointing,” he continued. “I feel a bit empty to be fair right now.”
Still, the 19-year old showed maturity and kept his head high. “But at the same time, these things happen. It happens to everyone. And the most important thing is to come back stronger.”
“It’s not going to be straightforward”: Antonelli on the F1 2026 drivers’ championship
After Round 7 in Barcelona-Catalunya, Antonelli keeps his lead in the drivers’ championship with 156 points. Still, the gap reduced as Hamilton closes in second with 115 points, while Russell remains in third with 106.
When questioned on whether Hamilton could be considered a championship contender and a serious threat, Antonelli was cautious.
“I mean, for sure they’re in incredible form. Ferrari is very reliable. But they’re quick as well,” he warned.
“So we just need to maximise every opportunity that we have. And then try to do our best. It’s not going to be straightforward.”
Antonelli, who had won the last 5 races, remained optimistic and has his eyes set on the next challenge in the Austrian GP later in June. “But I’m already looking forward to the next one,” he mentioned. “Because I really want to go back to where we left. Or from where we were finishing before.”
