Kimi Antonelli unsettled at Mercedes as Max Verstappen C…read more
Kimi Antonelli has opened up about the mental strain he experienced during his rookie Formula 1 season at Mercedes, admitting that persistent transfer rumours linking Max Verstappen to the Silver Arrows left him feeling unsettled at a particularly difficult point in his campaign.
The highly rated Italian entered F1 amid huge expectations, having been fast-tracked into the sport by Mercedes as part of their long-term vision for the post-Lewis Hamilton era. His debut season proved to be a genuine rollercoaster. On the positive side, Antonelli delivered eye-catching performances that resulted in three podium finishes, underlining why Mercedes had placed so much faith in his talent. However, the middle portion of the year was far less straightforward.
During the European leg of the calendar, Antonelli struggled to find consistency and confidence. A run of disappointing results saw him score just a single championship point between the Austrian Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The low point came at the Red Bull Ring, where an awkward and costly collision with Verstappen brought unwanted attention and criticism. The incident was widely described as an embarrassing moment for the rookie and intensified scrutiny around his readiness for Formula 1.
As the results dipped, questions began to surface in the paddock and media about whether Antonelli had been promoted to Mercedes too soon. Some observers suggested that another year of preparation outside F1 might have been beneficial before stepping into one of the most pressured seats on the grid. These doubts coincided with a period of uncertainty within Mercedes regarding their future driver line-up.
At the time, the team had not confirmed its plans for 2026, and reports emerged suggesting that Mercedes had explored the possibility of signing Verstappen, a four-time world champion and the dominant force of the current generation. Although Verstappen later made it clear that he intended to remain with Red Bull Racing for 2026, the speculation was enough to create noise — and Antonelli admits that noise affected him.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Motorsport.com, Antonelli explained how the rumours compounded an already challenging phase of his season. He revealed that while he knew he was tied to Mercedes on a long-term contract, constant talk of a superstar potentially replacing him inevitably played on his mind.
According to Antonelli, the external pressure arrived at the worst possible moment. He was already dealing with on-track struggles and the steep learning curve of Formula 1, and the added speculation made it harder to fully focus. He admitted that such rumours can linger mentally, following a driver even into the cockpit, where clarity and confidence are crucial.
Despite the difficulties, Antonelli believes the experience has accelerated his personal and professional growth. He described the season as a learning process, not just in terms of driving but also in handling the psychological demands that come with competing at the highest level of motorsport. Over time, he learned to block out the noise and concentrate on his development, which eventually translated into improved performances later in the year.
Looking ahead, Antonelli remains part of Mercedes’ plans for 2026 and will continue alongside George Russell, giving the team a young but highly talented driver pairing. However, the future still carries an element of uncertainty. If Mercedes successfully nails the upcoming regulation changes and re-emerges as a championship-contending force, the allure of signing Verstappen could resurface.
In such a scenario, difficult decisions may lie ahead, as only two race seats are available. For now, though, Antonelli appears determined to use the lessons from his turbulent rookie season as motivation. With greater experience, a clearer sense of direction, and a better understanding of the pressures that define Formula 1, he is confident he is better equipped to face whatever challenges come next — rumours included.
