Home / Sports / Antonelli: 3 Years of Learning in F1 Rookie Season
Antonelli: 3 Years of Learning in F1 Rookie Season
27 Apr
Summary
- Kimi Antonelli completed three years of learning in his rookie F1 season.
- He secured his first F1 podium at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.
- Antonelli achieved his first Grand Prix win at the 2026 Chinese GP.
Mercedes Formula 1 deputy team principal Bradley Lord believes rookie driver Kimi Antonelli compressed three years of learning into his inaugural season.
Antonelli joined the team in 2025, taking over from Lewis Hamilton. He managed the immense pressure, finishing seventh overall with 150 points and achieving his first podium at the Canadian Grand Prix that year. Further podiums followed in Brazil and Las Vegas.
Lord noted Antonelli's growing self-belief mirroring the team's trust. The rookie navigated a challenging season, which Lord suggested was akin to having "three years' worth of learning in one." Antonelli's performance in 2026 has seen him achieve his first Grand Prix win at the Chinese Grand Prix and take the lead in the drivers' standings with a victory in Japan.
