Former F1 team boss Minardi predicts Kimi Antonelli will be a major player in 2026

Former F1 team owner Giancarlo Minardi has backed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to become a major protagonist in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Minardi, analyzing the 19-year-old's rookie campaign, described it as positive and highlighted his growth relative to teammate George Russell, concluding that Antonelli is poised for a breakout year.

Why it matters:

A strong endorsement from a respected figure like Minardi adds significant weight to the growing hype surrounding one of F1's most promising young talents. If Antonelli can fulfill this potential, it would not only solidify Mercedes' long-term driver lineup but also inject a fresh, competitive dynamic into the championship battle, potentially challenging the established order.

The details:

• Minardi, 78, pointed to Antonelli's "very positive season" and ongoing "maturation process" as key indicators of his future success.
• He specifically noted the rookie's growth in relation to teammate George Russell, whom he called "one of the strongest drivers around," suggesting Antonelli is already operating at a high level within the team.
• Antonelli's debut season was a tale of two halves: a strong start with Mercedes was followed by a challenging mid-season, but he rebounded impressively to secure two podium finishes in the final stretch.
• The Italian driver himself has expressed optimism for 2026, reportedly impressed with the development of the team's next car in the wind tunnel and openly targeting race wins and a title challenge.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Antonelli during the 2026 pre-season testing and opening races to see if he can translate his late-season form and the team's development into consistent podium-contending performances. Delivering on Minardi's prediction would mark a dramatic acceleration of his career trajectory and establish him as a central figure in the next era of Formula 1.