Kimi Antonelli has provided an update on his physical condition ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the Mercedes driver prepares for another crucial round of the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
Antonelli arrives in Baku after an extraordinary run of form. The 20-year-old Italian has won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and followed that achievement with another victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring. His latest triumph extended his championship advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 81 points.
However, attention has also turned to Antonelli’s physical condition following the demanding European stretch of the season. The Mercedes driver has previously dealt with the effects of a heavy crash in Australia, after which he revealed that he was still carrying a lingering injury. Despite the setback, he was able to compete at the following events and continue his campaign.
There is currently no indication from Mercedes that Antonelli is expected to miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His recent performances suggest that he remains fully focused on maintaining his momentum as the championship heads towards its final stages.
The Madrid weekend further demonstrated his current consistency. Antonelli topped final practice before going on to claim victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, taking advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period to make an advantageous pit stop. He eventually finished ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will present a very different challenge. The Baku City Circuit is known for its long straights, heavy braking zones and narrow sections, placing considerable physical and technical demands on the drivers.
For Antonelli, the weekend will also carry significant championship importance. Mercedes currently leads the constructors’ standings, while Antonelli sits at the top of the drivers’ championship with 292 points after 14 Grands Prix, according to Formula 1’s official standings.
With his title advantage continuing to grow, Antonelli will be hoping that his latest update puts any concerns about his fitness to rest. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled for September 26, giving the Mercedes team time to monitor his condition before he returns to action in Baku.
For now, the focus remains on whether Antonelli can carry his remarkable winning momentum into another challenging street-circuit weekend.
