Mercedes has received advice to finalize a contract extension for Kimi Antonelli, despite the young driver’s recent performance struggles. Antonelli, who had a remarkable start in Formula 1 by finishing fourth at the Australian Grand Prix at just 18 years old, has faced challenges in maintaining his early success.
After stepping in to replace Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli achieved sixth-place finishes in China and Japan, followed by a pole position in Miami and a podium in the Canadian Grand Prix. However, his form has deteriorated since the European season commenced, partly due to the increased difficulty of driving the upgraded Mercedes car.
At the recent Monza race, Antonelli finished ninth, securing points for only the second time in the European Grand Prix season. Despite this, team principal Toto Wolff expressed disappointment in Antonelli’s race pace, indicating a shift in his previous supportive stance towards the young driver.
Wolff had previously stated that both Antonelli and George Russell would receive contract extensions to race for Mercedes in 2026. However, as of now, neither driver has signed a new deal. To stabilize Antonelli’s confidence, Sky Sports commentator David Croft suggests that Mercedes should expedite the contract process and provide reassurance to the young driver.
Acknowledging Wolff’s change in tone towards Antonelli, former champion Nico Rosberg emphasized the importance of giving Antonelli time and avoiding public criticism. Rosberg highlighted Antonelli’s exceptional talent but noted the challenges the young driver has faced in his rookie year.
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