Nico Rosberg Shares Advice for Kimi Antonelli to Secure F1 Championship: ‘Delete Instagram, Avoid News’

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      What must Kimi Antonelli, Formula 1's youngest and most exciting star, do to secure the World Drivers’ Championship? Is simply winning races enough? Not quite. Although Mercedes’ rising talent is having a stellar season with four consecutive wins thus far, it’s only a matter of time before misfortune hits. Eventually, there will be a crash, an engine failure, or an error. When that moment arrives, the 19-year-old Italian must be mentally prepared to process it and move on swiftly—something that 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg is well aware of.

      I spoke with Rosberg in Miami, where the former F1 champion-turned-investor was attending the Grand Prix and promoting Barilla’s new F1-themed pasta. Even though he and his wife enjoyed a delightful dinner prepared by Chef Massimo Bottura, he was eager to pause for a conversation about the latest buzz: Antonelli.

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      “Kimi is already bearing the hopes of his entire nation of Italy on his shoulders, and he has countless fans worldwide due to his likable, genuine, and youthful demeanor, but he must exercise caution,” Rosberg told The Drive. “He truly needs to shut everything out and focus on what he’s here for, which is to drive the car fast from one week to the next without thinking about the championship at all. Just focus on the next race and the one after that.”

      Rosberg believes it’s entirely feasible for a 19-year-old to become an F1 champion. However, he stressed that Antonelli needs to safeguard his “frame of mind” and block out distractions to be fully equipped to manage the pressure and challenges ahead. He discussed the incessant distractions presented by social media and Netflix, and how these can hinder a driver’s focus, especially during tough times concerning results and self-confidence. Despite the numerous benefits, attention, and revenue these platforms generate for the sport, all media, marketing, and sponsorship obligations ultimately pose challenges for the drivers.

      “The entertainment factor in F1 has significantly escalated due to social media and Netflix,” he noted. “There’s an added dynamic that may seem appealing from the outside! However, from within, it can be quite overwhelming. As a driver, your primary desire is to race cars, but now there’s an enormous machine surrounding it that can sometimes feel excessive.”

      “Undoubtedly, you appreciate the support from fans. That’s also what contributes to the incredible salaries these drivers earn now, so you can view it from that angle, but it can still become overwhelming,” Rosberg added. “Nevertheless, it’s challenging to satisfy everyone; it really is.”

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      Having been discovered at just 12 years old and specifically chosen by Mercedes-AMG F1 chief Toto Wolff to succeed Lewis Hamilton only five years later, Antonelli’s experiences have been anything but ordinary. From a young age, he has faced immense pressure and commitments that could overwhelm most adults, all while living under constant public scrutiny.

      In contrast, Rosberg was 31 when he defeated Hamilton in equal machinery to become champion in 2016. The seasoned racer previously detailed the extremes he went through to maintain focus, health, and protect his mental state. With the ongoing evolution of media and the instant gratification sought by younger audiences today, challenges have only intensified since Rosberg’s retirement—he believes that repeating his success in 2026 would be significantly more difficult than it was during his time.

      “Absolutely, it would be tougher. Back then, I was already disengaging from everything,” Rosberg shared. “I was completely focused and wouldn’t engage with social media. I avoided news, emails, and anything else. I switched everything off. As challenging as that is to achieve, that’s what I would advise Kimi to do because otherwise, you might lose your grip at some point.”

      When I inquired if Mercedes would permit their standout driver to minimize media obligations and other distractions, Rosberg stated it was “possible.”

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      “You can manage that, yes. The simplest step is to delete Instagram from your phone,” he explained. “Has he done that? I have no idea! But if it’s still installed and he’s still checking it, that wouldn’t be beneficial.”

      “So, disable Instagram. That’s a good starting point. Turn off Twitter and all those platforms—everything! Don’t check the news, and steer clear of any related conversations because otherwise, it can become overwhelming. While it may be easy for him right now because he’s winning, harder times will inevitably come when he might crash or something else occurs. Those challenges happen to everyone. Or he might lose his lead in the championship