Kimi Antonelli opens up on mental toll of Mercedes rumors during rookie season
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has spoken openly about the mental challenge of his first F1 season, revealing how rumors of Max Verstappen taking his seat over the summer added significant pressure during an already difficult period. He says he has learned to cope with the external scrutiny as part of his growth in the sport.
Kimi Antonelli has revealed the significant mental strain he faced during his rookie Formula 1 season, particularly from the intense speculation linking Max Verstappen to his Mercedes seat over the summer. The young Italian driver admitted the external pressure compounded his on-track struggles, forcing him to develop mental resilience to navigate the high-stakes environment of F1.
Why it matters:
A driver's rookie season is a critical period of adaptation, and Antonelli's candid admission highlights the immense psychological pressure that comes with racing for a top team like Mercedes. His experience underscores how off-track rumors and media scrutiny can directly impact a young driver's performance and mental well-being, adding an invisible layer of difficulty to the already steep learning curve of Formula 1.
The details:
- Antonelli described the summer period, when rumors of Max Verstappen potentially replacing him at Mercedes were rampant, as "a complicated time."
- He acknowledged that having "external pressure on top of that certainly didn’t help" his performance or state of mind.
- Despite having a long-term contract with Mercedes, Antonelli confessed that the persistent speculation caused him to overthink his situation, creating a mental burden he carried even when driving the car.
- He views navigating this pressure as part of his growth, stating, "growing up means learning how to live with these aspects."
The big picture:
Antonelli's 2025 season followed a familiar rookie trajectory of early struggles followed by marked improvement. After a difficult first half compared to teammate George Russell, he found better form towards the end of the year, showcasing glimpses of the talent that made him a standout in junior categories. The resolution of the Verstappen saga, with the Dutchman confirming his stay at Red Bull, provided stability for both Antonelli and Russell moving forward. Looking ahead, Antonelli feels more prepared, telling motorsport.it, "I know more obstacles lie ahead, but compared to a year ago, I now have a much clearer picture of what awaits me."
Between the lines:
While firmly a Mercedes junior, Antonelli's Italian heritage inevitably links him to Ferrari in the long-term imagination of fans and media. His presence has already reignited Italian interest in F1, and he has kept the door ajar for a future with the Scuderia, fueling dreams of a potential all-Italian driver lineup at Maranello someday. For now, his focus remains on consolidating his place at Mercedes and building on the hard-earned experience of his debut year.