Andrea Kimi Antonelli has delivered an ominous warning to rivals ahead of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, declaring himself to “feel stronger” after a competitive start to 2026.
Antonelli has enjoyed a near perfect start to the new F1 season, taking two wins in the opening three races.
Entering just his second season at the top level of Motorsport, Antonelli returns this weekend to the track where he took his first sprint pole position a year ago.
As the battle between the young Italian and teammate George Russell continues to develop, Antonelli will be aiming to maintain his momentum.
Ahead of this weekend’s action in Miami, Antonelli issued an ominous statement of intent of his goals.
“The goal, already from Miami, is to be back from where we left in Japan, or even be back even stronger from where we left,” Antonelli said.
“Overall, I feel stronger. I feel more in control of the situation,” he said.
“Having done all the tracks last year, definitely it’s helping this year so far.
“Also, having done the race weekend also helps because I know better what to expect.
“I know better how to move around, how to manage myself during the weekend.
“Definitely, the experience of last year is playing a massive role into this year so far.
“I just feel more relaxed, more confident, and as I said before, more in control of the situation.”
Kimi Antonelli is not feeling the pressure of fledgling title battle
Increased scrutiny is a byproduct of racing at the front of F1, with Antonelli confirming he is not feeling additional pressure as his early success potenially transforms into a title run.
“I don’t feel more pressure,” Antonelli insisted.
“I know expectation from people are higher now because obviously I’m coming off from two wins, and from a strong start of the season.
“But at the end of the day, I keep my focus on the process, on what I have to do.
“I don’t really want to put too much emphasis on expectation or final result.
“I’m just trying to keep myself grounded and just trying to focus on the ultimate goal and how to get there.”
Antonelli also revealed he has kept busy during F1’s unexpected early season break, trying out GT cars.
“I’ve been trying to stay active during this break,” he said.
“It was good to have a bit of time to reflect on the first three races.
“It was a good time to reflect on why the weekends went well, what I did well, and where I could have done a little bit better.”
Given the five-week gap, Antonelli has also been preparing for F1’s return, admitting that resting featured heavily in his schedule.
“It’s going to be important as well on the physical side to make the best out of this break, to recharge the batteries,” he said.
“Also to get stronger in the physical side in order to be able to maintain a really good physical level as well during the whole season.
“Obviously starts to feel very long, and I really miss racing, but I’ve been trying to make the best out of it, and actually it’s been on one side, really useful.”
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