Kimi Antonelli headed into the F1 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP with Mercedes looking for clearer answers on its latest upgrade package and its position in the competitive order.
After unusual weekends in Canada and Monaco because of the track layouts, Barcelona offers a more representative test for the team. Antonelli also arrived in Spain with growing confidence in his second Formula 1 season, as experience, stronger team relationships, and a calmer mindset helped him manage rising expectations.
The Italian remained focused on performance rather than the championship picture, while also embracing the increasing support from fans in Italy.
Antonelli says F1 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP will be a key test for Mercedes upgrades
Antonelli believes the F1 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP will give Mercedes a clearer read on its latest package after unusual weekends in Canada and Monaco. Mercedes brought updates in Canada, but the cold conditions there and Monaco’s unique layout made it difficult to judge their full potential.
Barcelona should offer a more representative test of overall performance and help Mercedes understand the lap time gained. However, Antonelli does not expect a straightforward fight, with Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren all likely to be strong.
“I think first of all it’s going to be an interesting weekend for us because we will see how the package that we brought in Canada will work. I think we couldn’t really see, or we couldn’t see the full potential or how much it’s actually giving us because Canada was quite unique conditions, with the temperature being so cold, and obviously Monaco again is another unique track. So obviously Barcelona is a more standard track and we’ll see better how the package works and how much it’s actually giving us in terms of lap time.
“However, I think our competitors are still fairly close. I mean, Red Bull was very strong in Monaco, Ferrari has brought some new bits this weekend, so for sure they’re going to be up there. And then also McLaren. I think McLaren is going to be very strong as well, because high-deg track, quite hot, and Miami was kind of similar and they were very strong as well. So, I think it’s not going to be straightforward, but we’re ready to do our best.”
Antonelli reflects on the step forward from his rookie season
Antonelli also opened up on the difference a year of Formula 1 experience had made. He said returning to circuits for a second time helped him understand track evolution, weekend structure, and how to manage his energy better. That experience allowed him to arrive more prepared and feel stronger once he got in the car.
The Mercedes driver also felt more aware of his own potential. After a rookie season spent learning the demands of Formula 1, he had gained a clearer sense of what worked for him both on and away from the track.
“Well, a lot has changed. I think the year of experience itself has been playing a massive role, just making your own experiences and understanding what’s good and what’s not good for you during the weekend and outside the weekend. So definitely it’s just the experience, being able also, coming back into the weekend and having done it the year before plays already a massive difference because you know better the track evolution during the session, you know better how the weekend is structured as well, so you’re also able to balance your energies in a better way. And so also when you go in the car you feel also better in terms of energies, but as well also you become more aware of your potential.”
Antonelli keeps focus away from the championship picture
Despite his improved form and the opportunities ahead, Antonelli insisted he was not letting the championship shape his approach. The Italian has a 66-point lead over Lewis Hamilton heading into Sunday.
He recognised the chance in front of him, but wanted to stay focused on the process rather than the standings. His priority remained maximising each weekend, enjoying his driving, and extracting the best performance possible.
Antonelli also highlighted the growing bond with Mercedes. As he became more familiar with the team, the relationship strengthened, and those small details helped him build confidence.
“Also, you get to know even better the team, so the bond just gets stronger and stronger with the team. And so it’s all little things that at the end of the day play a massive role. And then about Championship, we are not really worrying about it. Of course, I know the opportunity that is on the table, and of course I want to make the best out of it and try to maximise it. But at the same time, I don’t want to drive or race thinking about that. I just want to try to really focus on the process, what I have to do, and trying to enjoy as much as possible as well the driving, the weekend, and just trying to drive as fast as possible, and then we’ll see where we end up at the end of the year.”
Antonelli enjoying the pressure in stronger Mercedes position
Antonelli admitted he felt fortunate to be in a competitive position with Mercedes. While the situation brought pressure and expectation, he saw it as a positive challenge. He believed that enjoying race weekends helped him drive more freely and deliver better performances.
Compared to his rookie campaign, Antonelli felt more relaxed and less tense. By focusing only on what he had to do on track, he had found a better rhythm and avoided being distracted by outside noise.
“Yeah, I mean, I said before, I feel first of all very lucky to be in the position I am. Of course, it requires a lot of effort and commitment, and of course job’s not done, so we’ve got to keep pushing. But one thing I said to myself at the start of the year is trying to as well enjoy as much as possible all the weekends, the time going in the car, because I feel like also when I do so, I’m able to extract and maximise as well my performance.
“So, it’s been a helpful factor. It also helped me to drive a bit more relaxed and not as tense as I was last year. So that’s definitely playing a big factor. And again, just racing without worrying about anything else other than just trying to maximise the performance on track is also playing a big factor, just focusing on what I have to do without worrying about anything else.”
Antonelli embraces growing support from Italy
Antonelli also addressed the rising attention from Italy as his results continued to improve. Although he had not returned home recently, he knew expectations had grown. He understood how passionate Italian fans could become when one of their own started to succeed on the international stage.
Rather than seeing that support as a burden, Antonelli viewed it as a boost. He welcomed the growing backing and hoped it would continue as his second Formula 1 season developed.
“Well, I don’t know exactly because I haven’t come back into Italy in a while. But I know from what I heard, expectations are getting quite high. And I know also, by being Italian, how we can get very excited about things. But of course it’s great to see so much support, and it’s just growing and growing, and also if you’re able to embrace it, it’s an extra, I feel like. So it’s been great and hopefully it’s just going to keep growing.”
