Kimi Antonelli has shared that he feels ‘more prepared’ as he gears up for the 2026 season. The Italian driver emphasized that collaborating with a psychologist during the offseason has significantly aided him in establishing objectives for his upcoming campaign.
During his rookie year in the 2025 championship, Antonelli encountered both triumphs and challenges. He began the season strongly, achieving notable results such as securing a Sprint pole position in Miami and earning his first podium in Montreal. However, he later faced difficulties as the series moved into Europe.
As the season progressed towards its conclusion, Antonelli rebounded with impressive performances, including a career-best second place in Sao Paulo and another podium finish in Las Vegas, which marked the highlights of his season.
Reflecting on his experiences, Antonelli has outlined how his strategy will differ in his second year compared to his debut. “I utilized the break to think about the previous season,” the 19-year-old stated. “I participated in several sessions with my psychologist, where we analyzed what worked well and what didn’t in 2025. This reflection has been instrumental in setting my goals for this year.”
“The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.”
As he examines the 2026 calendar, Antonelli plans to optimize his time at home to rejuvenate and limit unnecessary travel. He aims to ensure that he maintains peak energy levels to enhance his performance on the track.
“A significant focus will be on improving my cardio,” he noted. “While we are satisfied with my strength, it’s essential to enhance my endurance, especially for those hotter races.”
After dedicating time to training and enjoying family moments during the offseason, Antonelli expressed his eagerness to return to racing as activities resumed in January. “Being at home was enjoyable, but I also relished the anticipation leading up to the season,” he admitted. “Returning to the factory, witnessing the car’s assembly, and hitting the track at Silverstone, followed by Barcelona, has been incredibly exciting.”
Regarding his aspirations for the 2026 season, which he discussed following Mercedes’ official launch, Antonelli remarked, “By December 2026, I would be satisfied if I could confidently say I gave my all this year and remained disciplined throughout.”
“I aim to continue my personal growth this year, which is my primary objective. We’ll see where that journey takes us.”
