Kimi Antonelli shares what ‘I don’t want to know’ about Lewis Hamilton in the 2026 F1 title fight

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Kimi Antonelli has revealed what he doesn’t ‘want to know’ about Lewis Hamilton amid the ongoing battle for the 2026 Formula 1 world title. 

As things stand, teenage superstar Antonelli is the firm favourite to win the world title, as he currently holds a 41-point lead at the top of the standings.

Last time out, Hamilton won the Barcelona Grand Prix and managed to close the gap to Antonelli due to the Italian’s DNF, which was caused by a battery-related issue.

With question marks over Mercedes’ reliability and Hamilton’s recent form, it is expected that the seven-time world champion could mount a serious challenge for a record-breaking eighth title.

In 10 years from now, where do you think Kimi Antonelli will rank among F1’s greatest drivers?

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Kimi Antonelli admits he doesn’t look at the standings amid F1 world title fight

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Antonelli was asked about Hamilton and the title fight. 

The 19-year-old admitted that he has not even looked at the world championship standings as he doesn’t want to know anything.

He went on to say he only knows the point difference because people have told him ‘a thousand times’.

Antonelli went on to praise the ‘impressive’ Hamilton, stating that being involved in a title fight with the Ferrari star, whom the Italian considers a ‘great role model’, will be a ‘huge deal’.

As per Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonelli said: “I don’t look at the standings. 

“I don’t want to know anything—I only know the point differentials because they’ve told me a thousand times, but I don’t want to think too far ahead.

“Obviously, knowing that Hamilton could be in the mix is impressive, because battling him for the championship would be a huge deal.

“I know Lewis, and I know he’s a tough competitor, and he’s driving really well right now. I’ve known him for many years and have great respect for him; he’s a great role model for me.”

How badly will Toto Wolff regret Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari if Mercedes do not win the 2026 title?

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Antonelli went on to recall the first time he met Hamilton, when he was a grid kid at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

The teenager stated that he reminded Hamilton of the pair’s first meeting with a photo following this year’s Chinese Grand Prix.

Antonelli recalled: “It was in 2018 in Monza. I was a ‘grid kid’—one of those kids who stands with the drivers on the grid during the national anthem before the race. I showed Lewis the photo after my win in China, and he was shocked. He must have felt old!”