Andrea Kimi Antonelli is already looking ahead to a title challenge in 2026, feeling confident after Mercedes’ strong showing in Barcelona. He’s hoping it turns into a head-to-head battle with George Russell.
The team had a solid start at the first pre-season test, clocking more laps than anyone else. Their engine customers, Alpine and McLaren, also helped demonstrate just how much potential this new power unit has.
Mercedes’ new engine has been getting plenty of attention, especially now that F1’s regulations have increased the electrical power split from 20/80 to nearly 50/50. The MGU-H has been dropped too, with the sport moving towards advanced sustainable fuels.
This is the most significant regulatory shift F1 has ever seen, and it goes beyond engines. There are fresh rules covering aerodynamics, chassis design and tyres as well. Russell noticed right away that this year’s cars are lighter and more compact during the initial runs in Barcelona, where Mercedes also started experimenting with different set-ups.
Antonelli names George Russell as ‘benchmark’ driver for 2026
Expectations are high that Mercedes will return to title contention in 2026, thanks in large part to their new engine. The team hasn’t been in the championship hunt since 2021, having struggled to fully adapt to the ground-effect regulations that were in place from 2022 through 2025.
George Russell is considered one of the top drivers heading into this season, and Antonelli would like nothing more than for both Mercedes drivers to be battling for the championship.
Russell is now recognised as a seasoned leader within the team, while Antonelli brings youthful energy and confidence following a promising rookie year. The pair complement each other well, with Russell valuing clear communication and Antonelli eager to prove himself.
Antonelli told Sky Italy: “He is a very tough opponent, extremely strong and the benchmark driver on the grid. But it would be really great to be able to compete for the world championship and also race against him several times during the year.”
“But, obviously, it will be difficult because he is very strong. He is a very complete driver. But I must say that I also feel much more prepared for this season. Last year, I had my good moments and my bad moments, but I learned a lot from the bad moments in particular.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli says Mercedes bond with George Russell is ‘very solid’
A head-to-head title fight between George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli could benefit both drivers if they maintain good communication throughout.
The British driver places a premium on open dialogue within his team environment—something that has stood out during his time at Mercedes—and believes this strength could play an important role if he finds himself up against his teammate.
George Russell’s 2025 F1 season sets new career high during Antonelli’s rookie year
Russell put together the best season of his Formula One career in 2025, stepping up as Mercedes’ team leader after Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari and Antonelli arrived as a rookie. The Briton collected 319 of Mercedes’ 469 points that year, finishing fourth in the drivers’ standings.
He also set a personal record for podium finishes with nine, including two wins and two pole positions. Both victories came from pole – first at the Canadian Grand Prix and then later at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Antonelli claimed his first F1 podium with a third-place finish in Canada, before adding a second place in Sao Paulo and another third in Las Vegas later on. Although he became the youngest polesitter in F1 history during the Miami Sprint, there were still some challenges along the way.
The most difficult stretch came between rounds seven and thirteen, where Antonelli scored points just once with his third place in Montreal. That dip followed a rear suspension update from Mercedes that knocked his confidence. He also took Max Verstappen out on lap one of the Austrian Grand Prix.
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