Mercedes Driver Kimi Antonelli insists the pressure of leading the Formula 1 Championship in his second season will not “destroy him.”
In just six championship rounds, Antonelli has placed himself as the in-form driver.
The young Italian claimed his fifth consecutive victory on the streets of Monte Carlo last weekend. Overcoming Safety Car and red flag restarts to win one of F1’s most revered races, ahead of seven-time Champion Lewis Hamilton.
As the series heads to Barcelona, Antonelli has a 66-point gap to his nearest rival, Hamilton and a 68-point differential between himself and veteran team-mate George Russell.
Despite the Italian exemplary form, the question remains if Antonelli can maintain this form long term.
Last season the 19-year-old faced several challenges in his rookie season, particularly during the European leg.
Antonelli acknowledges that his performances were not the best last season when he was under pressure. However, the Mercedes driver believes he has learnt from last year’s experiences. Vowing not to let the pressure get to him and derail his championship hopes.
“I try to embrace the pressure as much as possible, because I don’t want to let the pressure destroy me like it did last year in the European season,” Antonelli told Sky Sports F1.
“So, of course, I try to embrace the pressure, the challenge, and I try to enjoy it as much as possible without worrying about anything else other than just driving.”
The teenager revealed that the constant restarts and uncertainty of Monaco were a beneficial test for him to see his growth across seasons. Last year, Antonelli was the last classified Driver in Monte Carlo. A complete turnaround for last week’s victory.
“For sure, it was a good test because with the red flag, I’m not going to lie, I was a bit annoyed because getting the mindset back into redoing a full start was not easy.”
“But it was a good test on that side, and I’m happy I didn’t fail,” Antonelli revealed.
Eyes ahead to the future for Antonelli
Whilst Antonelli has been receiving a much-deserved spotlight so far, the Italian is aware that the season is long. As seen in previous seasons, leading the championship this early in the season doesn’t always result in a title victory.
Thus, Antontelli remains focused on continuing to stamp his mark on weekends across the season. Putting in consistent performances to outscore his rivals, and hopefully claim his maiden title at season’s end.
“The job’s not finished,” he said.
“It’s still a long season, and we’ve got to keep pushing, keep raising the bar. The goal is to keep performing like this.
The team have done an incredible job – they’ve given us an incredible car, and I’ve got so much support from the team as well, and from my family. It’s a really good moment so far.”
Antonelli heads into the Spanish Grand Prix as the driver to beat. But with the experience of Hamilton and Russell behind him, Antonelli’s growth from last season will be vital to his title fight.
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