Multiple F1 drivers have lauded Kimi Antonelli as the Italian has his first championship point at the 2026 United States GP. In just his second season in the sport, the 20-year-old is set to make history, whether it is in Austin or more likely at the following races at Mexico or Brazil.
Last year was a tough start to life in Formula 1 for the Mercedes driver. He struggled to get to the grips with the ground effect cars, and he was not helped by how difficult it was to drive the W16. George Russell did a superb job on the other side of the garage, finishing 169 points clear.
Nonetheless, towards the end of last year, the signs of what was to come in 2026 had shown themselves. Antonelli outpaced Russell at São Paulo to bag a superb 2nd, holding off a rampaging Max Verstappen at the end. He also went from the back in Las Vegas to finish a remarkable 3rd. A stunning long stint on the hards was key to that.
This season, he has flourished. Completely new regulations and engines have meant a very different driving style for everyone on the grid versus anything they have ever tackled before. Kimi Antonelli has comprehensively beaten George Russell, even factoring in the reliability gremlins the Brit has had. The Italian is 102 points ahead going into this weekend, with eight wins on the board so far in 2026. A win, with Russell P9 or lower and Hamilton P5 or lower, would seal the deal.
In the press conferences and print media sessions on Thursday, a number of his fellow F1 drivers credited Kimi Antonelli for the job he has done in 2026, praising him for the massive turnaround from 2025.
Isack Hadjar
“Yeah, just, I think he’s surprised everyone with the level he’s been driving at, just because of how challenging a rookie season can be [had been for him]. And then you turn things around, and we know how good George is and he’s been doing so well against him. So now he’s even surprised me, impressed me. So yeah, it’s great.”
Oscar Piastri
“Yeah, I think he’s been very impressive, obviously. Yeah, kind of similar to what Isack said. I think the step he took from his rookie season has been quite impressive to see. Different cars, different engines. I think he’s done a good job of adapting to the needs of these cars. So, yes, I think he’s been impressive. And I think when he wins the championship, not if, I think he’ll be a very deserving champion this year.”
Carlos Sainz
“Yes, I agree [with Piastri]. I think for me, more than anything, is the contrast to last season, how much he struggled in his rookie season versus how great this season he has been and the way he’s managed to turn it around. F1, I think, is also a lot about being in the right place at the right time, and having that regulation set change and moving to cars that, for sure, adapt better to his driving, to the way he approaches a corner, to the way he drives with the throttle or the brakes, is exactly something that can change your life, can change your career, and he’s maximised that.
“And he’s been exploiting, I think, this year’s Mercedes car to the limit and done an incredible job. And I think fair play to him, because to bounce back from a challenging rookie season to put together such a solid season is something really impressive and says a lot about him.”
Lewis Hamilton
“I think he’s shown this year, and also last year, but particularly this year, his talent and his ability, his calmness and his approach. He’s done an amazing job this year, and I’m so proud of him. I’m so proud of the way he’s carried himself, how he interacts with the drivers and even with you guys. It’s great to see him and the team excel. If it’s not my team, I’d always want to see my old team do well.
“It’s been really great to see his performances this year. It’s massively impressive, and he deserves to be the champion.”
Valtteri Bottas
“It’s been amazing to follow. Obviously, last year I was following closely, in the same team, what Kimi was doing, how he was developing, how he was gaining confidence in the car, but also outside the car, with his feedback and everything. And now he’s just taking things to the next level this year. So, yeah, it makes me proud. A very, very nice job. And even as things get hotter, as the season goes on and the title fight gets harder, with things coming towards the end of the year, he hasn’t shown any signs of pressure or weakness. So, I think it seems like he’s in his natural position. Good to see.”
Arvid Lindblad
“I think it’s been impressive. You know, I know Kimi quite well since when we raced together in karting. So yeah, just credit where credit is due.I think he’s been very impressive this year. You know, you can’t argue any different. So yeah, fair play to him.”
Lando Norris
“I think it’s very impressive what he’s been able to do at his age, his second year in Formula One. He’s going to be the youngest world champion ever.
“It’s pretty incredible, especially because last year he had a bad first season in Formula One. He was against George, who I think is very good and has performed very well, especially in the last era of car against Lewis. And for him to take quite a huge step, I would say, from last year to this year in terms of optimising things and understanding how to drive this year’s car more than other people as well.
“Dealing with the pressure, the lack of mistakes that have come from in both qualifying and races, the consistency to beat his teammate, the way he has is pretty… Like I said, I rate George and I think he’s a very good driver, but Kimi’s been two levels above George the whole season.
“He’s done a pretty incredible job and I’m sure the world knows that.”
Charles Leclerc
“It’s been near perfect. I mean there’s been one mistake two or three races ago, but that’s probably the only one that he has done over the course of the season.
“Straight from the beginning he was on pace and he didn’t put a foot wrong, so I think it’s a matter of time before he wins the championship and that would be very well deserved.
“I think he’s had a perfect season.”
Nico Hülkenberg
“Yeah, very impressive. He’s had a hell of a year, right? And a hell of a turnaround story from kind of 12 months ago where things look very difficult and very different for him.
“So it just goes to show how things can change so rapidly in this business, in this industry. It all goes back to feeling and your confidence with the car and with yourself. So it’s quite astonishing, a hell of a story.
“Respect, fair play to him. He’s been pretty flawless this year. Some incredible performances that he pulled off.
“It’s very impressive for his age.”
