Kimi Antonelli senses his big chance—the Mercedes driver explains why the massive rule change in 2026 will help young talent in Formula 1
A young talent like Kimi Antonelli doesn’t have a hard time in the premier class, but there are times when rookies get the chance to take big steps forward. Formula 1 is introducing comprehensive rule changes in 2026, and the driving style for the new generation of cars is fundamentally different from anything that has come before. The Mercedes driver therefore senses an opportunity for the rookies.
Antonelli is confident that inexperienced Formula 1 drivers will benefit from the major rule change in 2026, as it will require them to adapt quickly. The premier class will have a completely new look this year: changes to the chassis and engine will end the four-year era of ground-effect cars.
There has already been much discussion about how drivers will have to adapt their style due to active aerodynamics and the greater importance of energy management. Some even claim that the 2026 cars will contradict everything drivers have learned in karting.
But this is precisely where the young drivers who have only been in Formula 1 since last year could have an advantage. They are used to constantly changing cars and do not yet have an ingrained driving style that they intuitively fall back on when problems arise.
Antonelli is one of them. He raced through the junior classes at breakneck speed and never competed in more than one season in a series before making his Grand Prix debut for Mercedes at the age of 18. “For all the rookies who came into Formula 1 last year, a new car this year is kind of a good thing,” says the Italian teenager. “Because we’re used to driving a different car every year.”
“We’re used to adapting to a new car as quickly as possible. That’s why it’s good that we have a new car this year, because it’s a reset for everyone,” Antonelli continues. “Maybe it will help us understand the car a little faster than others.”
Chance for a level playing field
The Mercedes driver therefore believes that the field will be more evenly matched, as everyone has to start from scratch – unlike last season, where he may have started at a disadvantage compared to the established competition. “It’s a massive rule change and it resets everything to zero because everyone has to learn the car again,” Antonelli adds.
“It’s better on this side because last year was the last year of the old rules. Most drivers knew the car very, very well and had developed it over many years,” he explains. “This year, everything is definitely completely new. On the driver’s side, that’s a great opportunity because whoever understands it best and earliest can really make a difference.”
However, that doesn’t mean that the veterans will automatically have problems and be beaten by the youngsters. Inexperience cost Antonelli dearly last season. Although he occasionally shone with three podium finishes and a sprint pole in Miami, he also had many unnecessary accidents in free practice and at times struggled with the pressure that comes with being a highly rated rookie—his home race in Imola being a case in point.
Respect for the experience of the “old guard”
“The other drivers aren’t stupid, and they’re pretty good,” admits the now 19-year-old. “I think they’ll figure it out very quickly. Experience still counts. Experience helps you know how to approach the year and each weekend.”
“Of course, I have a year of Formula 1 behind me and I’ve learned a lot, but this year I’m sure I’ll approach some things differently. I feel like I still have a lot to learn.“
”So there will still be a small difference in terms of experience,“ Antonelli concludes. ”But on the driving side, I think we’re all on the same level now that we have the new car. That will be a huge opportunity.”
