2 February 2026Racingnews365Driver Ratings
Antonelli Sees Young Driver Edge in F1's 2026 'Speed Chess'
Kimi Antonelli suggests the 2026 F1 regulation reset, featuring new cars and complex energy management, could benefit younger drivers. He compares the new racing style to 'speed chess,' where quick adaptation and strategic foresight during battles will be key, areas where recent rookies may have an edge.
Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli believes the 2026 regulation overhaul, introducing new power units and active aerodynamics, could give younger drivers an advantage in adapting to what he describes as a "speed chess" style of racing. He argues that rookies from 2025 are accustomed to learning new cars annually in junior formulas, a skill that may help them get up to speed faster than established veterans when everything changes.