Kimi Antonelli reveals how Mercedes feel about his ‘attitude’ amid F1 title fight

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Kimi Antonelli has revealed how Mercedes feel about his ‘attitude’ amid his Formula 1 title fight against George Russell. 

Antonelli, 19, has emerged as the favourite to win the 2026 world championship after enjoying a flying start to the season.

The young Italian, who is in his second season in F1, has won three races in a row, tasting victory in China, Japan and Miami.

As a result, heading into this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, Antonelli leads Russell by 20 points. 

Should Toto Wolff treat George Russell harsher than Kimi Antonelli?

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Kimi Antonelli reveals how Mercedes feel about his ‘attitude’ amid F1 title fight

Speaking recently to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonelli revealed that Mercedes have now ‘loosened up’ about his attitude after initially being ‘strict’. 

The teenager also touched on the fact that he still feels he is Mercedes’ ‘hooligan’ and is often playing pranks on the staff. 

However, he also stated that Mercedes remain precise and focused when it comes to work.

Antonelli said: “I feel like I can give my advice to the team and be listened to, but it all stems from the fact that I feel more confident after a whole year in F1 and so many difficulties. Even though I’m still the team’s hooligan.

“I play pranks on practically everyone. At first, Mercedes were a bit strict about my attitude, but then they loosened up and now they play pranks on me a lot, too, and we have a lot of fun.

“This doesn’t take away from the team’s seriousness: when it comes to work, we’re precise and focused, but I think I’ve brought a bit of myself and even a bit of Italianness.”

Having previously been filmed playing pranks on his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, Antonelli has admitted that he will not dare do the same to team boss Toto Wolff.

Antonelli added: “No, not on him (laughs). I’d honestly be afraid of his revenge, and it’s better to leave it alone. I throw pies in the faces of others.

“Yes, poor Bono! When we’re on the track, he’s dead serious, he lectures me a lot, but I think he enjoys it. He’s gone from working with one of the greatest drivers in history, Lewis Hamilton, to a kid who constantly annoys him.”

READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli believes mistakes are ‘inevitable’ for him during 2026 title fight

George Russell says 20-point gap to Kimi Antonelli ‘means nothing’

Despite coming away second best in the last few races, Russell, who was the clear favourite heading into the season, remains confident.

The Brit, who is under pressure to perform this weekend, has stated that the current gap between himself and Antonelli ‘means nothing’.

As reported by Motorsport, Russell said: “There’s really no need to panic at all. And as we said, we’re four races down, 18 at least to go,” he added, referring to potential rescheduling of April’s cancelled Middle Eastern rounds.

“And I actually look back on my F2 season, which is obviously the last time I fought for a championship, and I was P6 after four races in F2 and about 35 points down [28 points, precisely]. So, at this point it means nothing.”