Antonelli: I'm especially pleased by Max's compliments.

      Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season was uneven, but the 19-year-old Formula 1 debutant still managed to reach the podium three times and finished the championship seventh in the drivers’ standings, just six points behind Lewis Hamilton, whom he replaced at Mercedes.

      Kimi summed up his first year in the top tier of motorsport in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

      Question: What did you not yet know about Formula 1 a year ago?

      Kimi Antonelli: I didn’t know how to trust my instincts. I’m learning to listen to myself more and to stay focused without thinking about the final result. During the season I sometimes got upset, and at some important moments I had the wrong mindset, thinking more about defence than attack.

      Question: What was the turning point when that difficult period in the middle of the season ended and you got back on track?

      Kimi Antonelli: Certainly, the team’s decision to return to the old rear suspension configuration helped me. Then, after Monza, I had a conversation with Toto Wolff and Bono, my engineer, who explained to me what I had been doing wrong. He helped me reset mentally.

      Question: Do Formula 1 drivers ever cry?

      Kimi Antonelli: When I was going through a difficult period, I did have to cry. There were many problems, primarily of a psychological nature, because I began to doubt myself.

      You debut in Formula 1, the dream of your whole life comes true, everything you worked so hard for happens, but after a great start to the season you suddenly feel you are not performing as you should. And that is hard. Besides, I lacked composure and clarity of thought — things that help more mature drivers cope with difficulties.

      Question: There was also a lot of good. What do you remember most?

      Kimi Antonelli: There were many great moments; for example, the very first race weekend of the season was especially joyful. In Melbourne, before the Grand Prix start, I realised my dream was coming true. Then there was the sprint in Miami, where I started from pole for the first time, and my first podium in Canada; there was the Brazilian Grand Prix, where I finished second.

      But I would also add the Las Vegas round, because there I first felt that my instincts were at the core of my approach to the race. In that moment I felt as if the whole rest of the world simply didn’t exist for me.

      Question: When you return home to Bologna, do you feel you are still the same Kimi as a year ago?

      Kimi Antonelli: Yes, partly. After all, I’m only 19, and my dream was born in this house where my family lives. I still need that peace, that quiet; I need to feel that my mum, dad and younger sister are nearby.

      Also, when I return to Bologna I like to hang out with friends, talk about ordinary things, switch off from racing, sleep and eat at home rather than in hotels. Although I’ve become a Formula 1 driver, I still remain a guy my age.

      Question: We often see your father at races next to you: what was his role over the past year?

      Kimi Antonelli: As I was growing up and becoming a driver he was always by my side, so it’s important for me to feel his support now that I’m competing in Formula 1. Next year I will miss him, because I’ve become more experienced, but I know I can always rely on him. It’s also very important that I can always count on the support of my mum, sister and my girlfriend.

      Question: Have your relations with Toto Wolff changed?

      Kimi Antonelli: Toto has known me since I was a kid, and in 2025 that special bond only grew stronger. He knows how to push me, and when necessary he can be very strict. I’m sure he’s simply the best at what he does.

      Question: And what can you say about George Russell, your teammate?

      Kimi Antonelli: We have a good relationship based on healthy rivalry. Of course, things changed over the year, because you always want to beat your teammate, but healthy competition is always good for the team.

      Question: What do you think about 2026?

      Kimi Antonelli: I think there are many uncertainties: we know what our team is doing and what it has achieved, but we can’t know at what level the rivals are. I spend a lot of time at the team base in the UK, where aerodynamic research continues, simulator work is underway, and we can see how the car is taking shape. When you take part in a new project during such a period, it’s great. It’s inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what we’ve achieved compared to our rivals.

      Question: As Formula 1 moves to next-generation machinery, do you think this opens up good opportunities for young drivers now?

      Kimi Antonelli: I think so. Ground-effect cars are hard to drive, especially when you’re just learning them. Getting everything out of them is not easy, and the physical demands behind the wheel are very high. But with the switch to a new technical regulation a lot changes, and that’s wonderful. Everyone will now be required to have qualities like adaptability, hard work and flexibility.

      Question: Max Verstappen says you’re a talented driver. How do you feel about that?

      Kimi Antonelli: It’s a huge honour. This year we’ve built a great relationship; you could say he’s been a mentor for young drivers. I consider him a phenomenal master, and it pleases me especially when I hear his compliments. But we can talk about many different things we like — not only Formula 1 but also GT racing, which we both love.

      Question: You’re Italian, so it’s logical to ask: do you dream of one day becoming a Ferrari driver?

      Kimi Antonelli: Personally, right now there is only Mercedes: this team believed in me, helped me grow as a driver, and I want to achieve victories with them.

      Question: A long and very intense season is behind you, but is it time to rest a little now?

      Kimi Antonelli: Yes, and I’ll spend that time at home. Preparation for 2026 will begin soon, so it’s important to recharge, enjoy Italian food and get my thoughts in order.

      Question: What would you like to receive as a Christmas present?

      Kimi Antonelli: A car that will allow us to fight at the front, win races and even contend for the World Championship — who knows how things will turn out? The team is making every effort to give us a fast car, and the rest depends on me.