Antonelli Keeps Rolling

Kimi Antonelli’s rapid climb in Formula One has left even the Mercedes driver trying to process the speed of his own rise.

The 19-year-old Italian enters this weekend’s Catalunya Grand Prix chasing a sixth consecutive victory, a feat only five drivers in F1 history have achieved. His latest win came in Monaco, where he strengthened his grip on the drivers’ championship.

Antonelli now leads the standings by 66 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell.

“Definitely if you would have told me two years ago, I would have told you that you were crazy,” Antonelli told reporters Thursday in Montmeló.

The Mercedes driver credited the team’s car for helping put him in title contention, saying the package has been “incredible” this season.

Antonelli said the back-to-back races in Monaco and Barcelona mark the start of a European stretch that once tested him heavily. He admitted he struggled through the same period last year, but said the experience helped shape his confidence.

“I did doubt myself after that difficult period in Europe,” he said. “Last year I got to know myself better.”

Despite his widening championship lead, Antonelli said he is not focusing too much on the title fight.

“I know the opportunity that is on the table, and of course I want to make the best out of it,” he said.

Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen joked last week that their advice to Antonelli would be to wait a couple of seconds at the start.

Antonelli said both champions have been supportive since he joined F1, but added that their help has limits.

“We are still competitors at the end of the day, so they don’t want to give too much away,” he said.