Giancarlo Minardi has pointed to Kimi Antonelli as one of the top names for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The former owner and team principal of the Minardi F1 team evaluated the young Italian pilot’s first year at Mercedes positively and stated that he believes Antonelli will have a decisive role in the next year.
In analyzing Antonelli’s year, Minardi highlighted the nineteen-year-old pilot’s maturation process and the evolution shown throughout the season, especially in direct comparison with his teammate, George Russell: “He’s in a good moment. The kid had a very positive season. He’s going through a maturation process,” Minardi stated. Minardi also highlighted the level of the internal adversary: “He has also grown in relation to a teammate like Russell, who is one of the strongest pilots on the grid. I think Kimi will be a great protagonist in 2026,” he declared.
Antonelli’s debut year in Formula 1 was marked by highs and lows. The Italian started the championship consistently with Mercedes but faced difficulties in the middle of the season. Nevertheless, he managed to recover in the final phase of the year, achieving two podiums and ending the championship on a high note.
Antonelli himself demonstrated confidence regarding the next year. The young pilot stated that he is impressed with Mercedes’ car for 2026 and highlighted the transformation observed in the development work in the wind tunnel. According to him, the project for the new season showed clear signs of evolution.
Finally, Antonelli made it clear his optimism regarding his ambitions for 2026, stating that he expects to fight for victories and possibly enter the dispute for the drivers’ title when the new season begins.
