Kimi Antonelli has expressed disbelief at his rapid ascent in the Formula 1 world championship, especially after experiencing a difficult rookie season just a year ago. The 19-year-old driver claimed victory at the Belgian Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, extending his lead to 45 points over Lewis Hamilton with 10 of 22 rounds completed.

Last season, Antonelli faced significant challenges, finishing above ninth only once in ten races. His struggles peaked last year at the same Belgian circuit where he was eliminated in Q1. Reflecting on his current success, he stated, "No, absolutely not. Last year here, I probably reached the bottom, so it was a very difficult weekend for me mentally."

Despite his impressive performance this season, including six wins, Antonelli's lead could have been even greater if not for a series of misfortunes, such as an engine failure in Barcelona and a wheel-guard issue at the British Grand Prix. His strong pace against teammate George Russell, who was initially favored to win the title, indicates a significant shift in dynamics.

Antonelli remains cautious about his position, emphasizing the need to stay focused and maximize opportunities:

I never want to relax too much. Of course, it's a great result and good redemption after last year...but you can never relax because we have seen in the past how the situation can swing so quickly.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes' boss, acknowledged the surprise at Antonelli's consistency in 2026, describing his level-headedness as remarkable for a driver so young. Wolff noted, "What was not expected is the serenity and structure that he brought into his game."

With a mindset that emphasizes problem-solving and resilience, Antonelli demonstrates the qualities necessary for a successful career in F1, leaving fans eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.