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Alex Brundle has urged Kimi Antonelli’s race engineer, Peter Bonnington, to tell his driver one thing to give him the best chance at Silverstone.
Following George Russell’s victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, the Brit managed to move back into second place in the world championship standings, with 40 points separating the two Mercedes drivers.
This weekend, the 2026 Formula 1 season will continue with the British Grand Prix, taking place around the iconic Silverstone Circuit.
Both Mercedes stars endured a tough weekend at Silverstone in 2025, with Antonelli failing to finish while Russell only managed to come home in 10th place.
Heading into this weekend’s race, the momentum is on Russell’s side, having won around the Red Bull Ring while Antonelli finished third, behind Max Verstappen.
Let’s hear your podium predictions for the British Grand Prix 🍾
Alex Brundle says Peter Bonnington must keep Kimi Antonelli’s confidence up
Speaking on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Brundle stated that Antonelli’s race engineer, Bonnington, has to make sure the young Italian’s confidence is as high as possible.
Despite a disappointing Austrian Grand Prix, Bonnington has been urged to tell Antonelli that he would have won the race if it wasn’t for ‘outside factors’.
Brundle explained: “We saw that Kimi was going to be lightning fast and I knew, before I watched him in F2 do exactly the same things. Every so often he has, and he’s got better at recovering from them; he has a little mini meltdown on track.
“Where he loses a couple of positions, or he’ll have a spin or a moment and then that I always thought would be what cost him the championship in comparison to George, who I think is way more experienced and consistent.
“As Kimi’s engineer, as Bono, you’ve got to have him believe he could’ve won that race if it wasn’t for outside factors, and then he will go to Silverstone with confidence.”
In 10 years from now, where do you think Kimi Antonelli will rank among F1’s greatest drivers?
READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli’s unbroadcast Austrian GP radio message shows championship pressure is getting to him
In truth, Antonelli has enjoyed a flying start to the 2026 season, having won five races in a row in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco.
The 19-year-old has surprised many people, who felt Russell was going to be the overwhelming favourite for this year’s world championship due to his experience.
However, the Italian has quickly proved his doubters wrong, producing statement performances to firmly announce himself to the F1 world.
With Bonnington in his ears and Toto Wolff at the helm, Antonelli has the perfect environment to continue his charge to become the youngest world champion in F1 history.
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