Mercedes rising star Kimi Antonelli has revealed he was “really angry” with himself after the Japanese Grand Prix, despite securing a second consecutive victory and making Formula 1 history.
The 19-year-old continued his remarkable start to the 2026 season by winning in Japan, a result that propelled him to the top of the drivers’ standings. In doing so, Antonelli became the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, underlining both his prodigious talent and Mercedes’ early-season dominance.
However, the milestone achievement did little to mask the Italian’s frustration over yet another problematic race start. Having begun the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position, Antonelli slipped to sixth place by the end of the opening lap. It marked the latest in a string of sluggish getaways that have complicated his otherwise commanding performances.
Earlier in the campaign, Antonelli encountered similar issues. At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, a poor launch hindered his ability to challenge for victory. The pattern continued in China, where a compromised start in the sprint race left him battling midfield traffic and ultimately limited him to a fifth-place finish. While his race pace has consistently been strong enough to recover lost ground, the repeated setbacks off the line have emerged as a clear area for improvement.
In Japan, Antonelli once again relied on superior pace, strategic execution, and composure under pressure to fight back through the field. His recovery drive demonstrated maturity beyond his years and reinforced why Mercedes has entrusted him with a front-running seat alongside the experienced George Russell.
The intra-team battle between Antonelli and Russell is quickly becoming one of the defining narratives of the 2026 season. With Mercedes currently setting the benchmark in performance, the championship fight appears increasingly likely to be contested between the Silver Arrows teammates. Antonelli’s ability to match—and at times outperform—Russell has further solidified his credentials as a genuine title contender.
Despite the celebrations that followed his Japanese triumph, Antonelli was candid about his dissatisfaction. The young driver acknowledged that repeatedly putting himself on the back foot is unsustainable in a championship fight, particularly against a teammate of Russell’s calibre and with rivals eager to capitalize on any weakness.
While his results speak volumes, Antonelli’s self-criticism highlights a champion’s mentality: an unwillingness to settle, even in victory. If he can address his starting issues, Mercedes’ teenage sensation may prove even harder to beat as the 2026 campaign unfolds.