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via RaceFansMercedes told Antonelli he would get F1 chance before Hamilton’s exit was announced | Formula 1Andrea Kimi Antonelli disclosed that he was informed by Mercedes about a potential promotion to the Formula 1 team prior to the public announcement of Lewis Hamilton's departure. This decision by Hamilton to join Ferrari was made known in February 2024, coinciding with Antonelli's upcoming 18th birthday. Antonelli's revelation highlights the swift actions taken by Mercedes in response to Hamilton's career move.
The announcement of Hamilton's transfer marked a significant shift in the team dynamics, as he had been a key figure in Mercedes' success. Antonelli's promotion indicates the team's focus on nurturing young talent and preparing for future seasons in Formula 1.
Sat 29 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli told 'big rivalries' await as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton lurkKimi Antonelli is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with a significant margin, having secured seven victories out of twelve races. His performance has sparked discussions about the emergence of new rivalries in the sport, particularly against established champions like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who are also in contention for the title this season. David Coulthard highlighted the competitive landscape, suggesting that teams such as McLaren and Ferrari are becoming more formidable, setting the stage for intense battles on the track.
The article emphasizes the potential for Antonelli to become the youngest-ever F1 champion if he maintains his lead. With Hamilton and Russell tied for second place, the championship race is heating up, and Coulthard believes that the current dynamics could lead to significant rivalries reminiscent of past seasons. The support Antonelli receives from Mercedes further positions him as a key player in this evolving narrative within Formula 1.
Sat 29 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli set to star alongside Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in iconic Disney comic bookKimi Antonelli, a rising star in Formula 1, is set to appear in the iconic Disney comic book Topolino ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. Currently leading the 2026 drivers' standings, Antonelli has a chance to become the youngest world champion in F1 history. If he wins the upcoming race, he would be the first Italian to do so in 60 years, following Ludovico Scarfiotti's victory in 1966.
In the comic, Antonelli is transformed into a character named Kimi Paperelli, featuring in four chapters related to the race. The collaboration between Disney and F1 has also been extended, with Lightning McQueen scheduled to make an appearance at Monza, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Fri 28 Aug · 21:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comMercedes Sacrifices Kimi Antonelli’s Home Race With Back of the Grid Monza Penalty as George Russell Braces for the Same FateMercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after fitting a new power unit, which incurs a grid penalty. George Russell is also expected to face a penalty later in the season, although the specific race has not yet been determined. Both drivers have experienced reliability issues, prompting the team to make strategic decisions regarding their power units and penalties.
The decision to take the penalty at Monza is based on the track's characteristics, which are favorable for overtaking. Mercedes is also navigating the constraints of the budget cap, which limits their ability to upgrade their car compared to rivals. Antonelli leads the championship, and his recent performance at Zandvoort has solidified his position, making every point crucial as the season progresses.
via Formula1.comAntonelli's Penalty Alters Favorites for Italian Grand PrixA grid penalty for the Driver’s Championship leader has shifted the betting landscape ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. This development has led to significant changes in the odds as fans and bettors speculate on the race outcome.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 16:16 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reveals special Mercedes gesture after maiden F1 winKimi Antonelli celebrated his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix and received a special gesture from Mercedes, allowing him to keep the original trophy instead of the usual replica. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first in the top division of motorsport. Antonelli expressed the emotional weight of this achievement, emphasizing its importance in his journey as a driver.
In addition to his initial win, Antonelli has continued to perform exceptionally well, achieving five more victories in the early part of the 2026 season. His impressive performance has placed him at the top of the drivers' championship standings, leading by 59 points over his competitors, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied in points.
Fri 28 Aug · 13:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya urges George Russell to immediately ‘cash in’ on ‘favour’ Mercedes now owe himIn the aftermath of the Dutch Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed that George Russell deserves a favour from Mercedes for adhering to team orders. During the race, Russell was instructed to let Kimi Antonelli pass, which resulted in Antonelli finishing second and Russell in third. Montoya criticized the decision as unfair to Russell, emphasizing the importance of his role within the team and the need for Mercedes to acknowledge this situation in the future.
Montoya highlighted Russell's political acumen in handling the team orders without public dissent, which he believes strengthens his position at Mercedes. He urged Russell to leverage this moment to ensure that the team recognizes the value of his compliance, suggesting that it is crucial for Russell to communicate this internally to the team. Overall, Montoya's comments reflect a belief in the necessity of mutual respect and recognition within the team dynamics.
Fri 28 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Italian GP: Schedule and how to watch on Sky SportsThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza is set to be a crucial race in the Formula 1 season, with Kimi Antonelli starting from the back of the grid due to a power unit change. Currently leading the Drivers' Championship, Antonelli's position opens up opportunities for his rivals, particularly Lando Norris, who has recently shown strong performance by winning the last two races. Ferrari, racing on home turf, is also expected to make a significant impact with new engines for their drivers, Hamilton and Leclerc, while Max Verstappen aims to defend his title from the previous year.
The race weekend will feature a full schedule of practice sessions and qualifying, culminating in the main event on September 6, 2026. The weather is expected to be favorable with sunny conditions and warm temperatures. Fans can watch the event live on Sky Sports, which will provide comprehensive coverage of all sessions throughout the weekend, including practice, qualifying, and the race itself.
Fri 28 Aug · 11:36 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli causes chaos in Amelia Dimoldenberg's "Passenger Princess"Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes Formula 1 driver and championship leader, participated in an episode of the YouTube series 'Passenger Princess' hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg. The episode showcased Antonelli's driving skills as he instructed Dimoldenberg on how to drive, leading to a chaotic and humorous experience, including attempts at doughnuts in a Mercedes SUV.
The episode was well-received, garnering over one million views and significant engagement on social media. Throughout the episode, Antonelli shared insights about his life as a driver, including his early start in go-karting and his pre-race rituals, while Dimoldenberg's comedic attempts at driving added to the entertainment.Fri 28 Aug · 11:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes on Dutch GP team orders: We would’ve done the exact same thing the other way aroundMercedes confirmed that their team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix were aimed at maximizing their chances for a double podium finish. Kimi Antonelli was instructed to overtake George Russell late in the race, which allowed them to secure second and third places respectively, despite initial reservations from Russell about the decision.
After reviewing the race strategy, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that they would have made the same call had the positions been reversed. The team emphasized the importance of clear communication and strategy to avoid losing time between their drivers, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.Fri 28 Aug · 09:52 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell dealt brutal Valtteri Bottas comparison: 'It looks like it'George Russell, who joined Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017 and became a full-time driver in 2022, is facing challenges in his second year alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli. Currently, Antonelli holds a significant 59-point lead over Russell, prompting comparisons to Valtteri Bottas, who previously occupied a similar role at Mercedes. Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, noted that Russell's situation resembles Bottas's, but emphasized that Russell has the option to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he feels he is not receiving equal chances at Mercedes.
Steiner's comments highlight the pressure on Russell to perform and the potential for him to seek a lead driver position at another team if he is unhappy with his current role. While Bottas was content with his position for many years, Steiner indicated that Russell's future is ultimately in his own hands, especially as the current driver market has limited options for the upcoming season.Fri 28 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Italian Grand Prix Odds Shift Following Antonelli PenaltyThe upcoming Italian Grand Prix sees a significant change in betting odds due to a penalty for driver Antonelli. This development has led to a new favorite emerging for the race at Monza.Thu 27 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via grandprix.comSchumacher calls Antonelli Mercedes' clear number oneRalf Schumacher has stated that Kimi Antonelli has positioned himself as the leading driver for Mercedes in the current championship, holding a significant points lead over teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli's consistency, with ten podium finishes out of twelve races, has contributed to this perception, despite Mercedes not officially naming a number one driver.
As the season progresses, Antonelli's recent engine change will see him start from the back at Monza, presenting Russell with an opportunity to close the points gap. Schumacher suggests that Russell should concentrate on racing rather than the internal team dynamics, although he acknowledges that the situation may evolve as the season continues.
via racer.comAntonelli says Mercedes no longer has F1’s fastest carKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, has acknowledged that Mercedes is no longer the fastest team in Formula 1 following Lando Norris' recent victories with McLaren. Antonelli emphasized the need for an upgrade package to help Mercedes regain its competitive edge, as he believes McLaren has made significant advancements in performance, especially since the Hungarian Grand Prix.
George Russell, Antonelli's teammate, won the Sprint race in Zandvoort and commented on the challenges of overtaking at the circuit. He expressed confidence in the team's efforts to improve their car and noted that McLaren's strengths on high-degradation circuits could pose a challenge for Mercedes in the upcoming races.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris ‘reminded’ Jolyon Palmer of Mika Hakkinen after what he saw at the Dutch Grand PrixJolyon Palmer saw shades of Mika Hakkinen fighting Michael Schumacher in how Lando Norris overtook Andrea Kimi Antonelli to win the 2026 F1 Dutch Grand ...Thu 27 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes F1 theory raised over new George Russell 'mission'George Russell is currently in a challenging position in the drivers' championship, trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. As the 2026 season progresses, former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner suggests that Mercedes has tasked Russell with a new mission: to support Antonelli's title bid, indicating a shift in team dynamics as they navigate the second half of the season.
The team has already begun implementing this strategy, as seen in the recent Dutch Grand Prix where Russell was instructed to allow Antonelli to pass him. Steiner emphasizes that this approach reflects a more mature leadership under Toto Wolff, who is now better positioned to manage team orders and internal relationships compared to past seasons marked by significant rivalries.Thu 27 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell outlines "tough" battle to keep Lewis Hamilton off the Dutch GP podiumGeorge Russell faced a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in third place after a strong performance against teammate Kimi Antonelli and a late push from Lewis Hamilton. Despite being under pressure, Russell managed to secure his position, highlighting the competitive nature of the race and the ongoing battle within the Mercedes team.
Looking ahead, Russell acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of McLaren and Ferrari, especially with upcoming upgrades. He emphasized the importance of the next few races for Mercedes, as they aim to maintain their lead in both championships while adapting to the evolving performance of their rivals.Thu 27 Aug · 08:08 UTC
via PlanetF1Mercedes launches Kimi Antonelli W17 inspection amid Wolff upgrades claim – roundupMercedes has initiated a thorough investigation into Kimi Antonelli's W17 car following his reports of persistent understeer during the Dutch Grand Prix. Team principal Toto Wolff revealed that the team lacks the financial resources to implement further upgrades in response to competitors' advancements, particularly with McLaren's recent successes highlighted by Lando Norris's back-to-back victories.
In addition to the Mercedes situation, the article covers other key developments in Formula 1, including Fernando Alonso's challenges with the new Honda engine and Max Verstappen's contract extension with Red Bull until 2030. Carlos Sainz's commitment to Williams for the 2027 season is also noted, emphasizing the ongoing dynamics of driver contracts and team strategies in the sport.
Wed 26 Aug · 19:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMercedes are working on a secret 'weapon' to get Kimi Antonelli on the Monza podium despite penaltyMercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix due to an engine penalty. In response to the high expectations from local fans, the team is working on a secret 'weapon' that includes a revised turbocharger and a new fuel formula to enhance performance and help Antonelli navigate through the field effectively. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the numerous overtaking opportunities available at the Monza circuit.
The decision to take the penalty was made in consultation with Antonelli's father, reflecting the pressure on the young driver as the championship leader. The last Italian driver to win at Monza was Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, making this a significant race for the Tifosi. With the new turbo and fuel enhancements, Mercedes hopes to regain its competitive edge and potentially alter the championship landscape, as Antonelli is determined to make a strong showing despite starting in 20th position.Wed 26 Aug · 18:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comMercedes are working on a secret 'weapon' to get Kimi Antonelli on the Monza podium despite penaltyMercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix due to an engine penalty. In response to the high expectations from local fans, the team is working on a secret 'weapon' that includes a revised turbocharger and a new fuel formula to enhance performance and help Antonelli navigate through the field effectively. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the numerous overtaking opportunities available at the Monza circuit.
The decision to take the penalty was made in consultation with Antonelli's father, reflecting the pressure on the young driver as the championship leader. The last Italian driver to win at Monza was Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, making this a significant race for the Tifosi. With the new turbo and fuel enhancements, Mercedes hopes to regain its competitive edge and potentially alter the championship landscape, as Antonelli is determined to make a strong showing despite starting in 20th position.Wed 26 Aug · 18:00 UTCPage 10 of 20