Jun.1 (GMM) Kimi Antonelli says his rivals now view him in another way after his outstanding begin to the 2026 season.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, who comfortably leads the world championship after profitable 4 of the opening 5 races, was honoured with the distinguished Lorenzo Bandini Trophy in Brisighella on Friday.
Hundreds of followers packed the small Italian city to welcome the championship chief.
“There are such a lot of individuals right here for me – I wasn’t anticipating such a welcome,” he beamed.
“Pondering of the names who’ve obtained this earlier than me, like Schumacher and Hamilton, makes it all of the extra emotional.”
However regardless of opening a 43-point championship lead, Antonelli insisted it’s too early to get carried away.
“The season remains to be lengthy, we all know that,” he mentioned.
“I’m comfortable as a result of the group is doing nice, and I need to repay their efforts by giving my all.”
The Italian additionally addressed the rising rivalry with teammate George Russell, which flared up in the course of the Canadian GP weekend. “The problem with Russell in the course of the season can be robust, however we don’t need to get into robust clashes that may put the group in problem,” Antonelli mentioned.
“I spoke to Toto Wolff concerning the battle between Hamilton and Rosberg in 2016. He instructed me the nice and the unhealthy, the issues we mustn’t repeat. As a result of the group stays the precedence.”
Antonelli admitted his performances have already modified how rivals view him.
“I do know they take a look at me with respect now, as a result of I’ve proven what I’m able to,” he mentioned.
“I attempt to ship a transparent message as a result of I need to keep forward – that’s the aim.”
The Mercedes driver additionally rejected ideas that his success has modified his character.
“I’m simply the way in which you see me, and I don’t need to change that,” he mentioned. “Clearly, on the monitor, issues are fully totally different.”
“The angel face is barely seen off the monitor. As a result of F1 is a tank filled with sharks – you both eat otherwise you’re eaten.”
Antonelli additionally revealed he has developed a friendship with Max Verstappen away from the circuit. “We speak about GT, F1, but in addition about our personal lives, our issues,” he mentioned.
“In the end, outdoors the paddock, we’re simply regular guys.”
The Italian was additionally requested about Ferrari, with many in his dwelling nation dreaming of seeing him sooner or later in pink.
“However now I’m a Mercedes driver and I’m extremely comfortable right here,” Antonelli replied. “The group gave me an enormous alternative as a child, supported me all through my complete journey, and I really feel a accountability to present my all for them.”
“I owe it to the group and need to win as a lot as potential with Mercedes. I spoke with the group, they usually need to proceed working with me sooner or later – not simply subsequent 12 months. However for that to occur, I have to carry out nicely.
“They most likely plan to proceed working with me past 2026, however I have to ship outcomes personally. After which we’ll see.”
