Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Lando Norris has praised Kimi Antonelli’s development over the winter break, also warning the Mercedes star about the ‘huge challenge’ that he now faces in his quest to secure an F1 title this season.
If anyone knows how difficult it can be to take part, and succeed, in an F1 title fight, it’s Lando Norris.
After falling short of an incredible comeback against Max Verstappen in 2024, the British driver picked himself up and put together a title-winning campaign last year, not without some hiccups, though.
The 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster for the 26-year-old, who ended up claiming the title by just two points following the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
Who is the greater driver Max Verstappen or Michael Schumacher?
A huge decision , but who takes it? 👇
Locked into mental warfare with Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, it became a game of consistency in the final stages of the season as the title looked up for grabs.
Thus, Norris is in the perfect position to be able to advise Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the F1 standings with three rounds of racing now in the books.
The Italian has next to no experience of being in the position he’s currently in, and faces a monumental challenge in keeping himself above his highly competitive rivals.
Lando Norris praises Kimi Antonelli’s development, warns him about upcoming title fight
During a media session at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Norris was asked for his thoughts on Antonelli’s development from the young Italian’s rookie campaign to now, where he looks to be one of the favourites to win the 2026 F1 title.
The reigning world champion looked towards his own development during the early years of his career in the sport, while praising Antonelli’s ability to cement himself as a race-winner on the grid.
The McLaren star said, via Automoto.it, “Honestly, it’s different for every driver. It depends on who you are, what you’ve been through, and how developed you are in different areas. But between the first and second year, you always make a big step forward in every area.
What advice would you give Kimi Antonelli for his title fight with George Russell this year?
Let us know in the comments below!
“You’re more comfortable, you’re happier. Naturally, things start to flow much better. Mercedes has always seemed like a pretty good team at protecting their drivers, taking care of them, and always defending them when needed.
“I feel like they’ve always done a good job in that regard. But Kimi also seems like a very easy-going guy, someone who only thinks about his job, and that’s a great thing for him.
“My first year at 19 already seemed very precocious, and in his second year, he’s already fighting for a championship. This shows how great a job he’s doing. Of course, I would have loved to fight for wins and titles in the first two years of my career, but it took a bit longer.
“It’s perhaps even more difficult for him to be there straight away in his second year. Now he has the chance to win races, fight for poles, and win the title.
“It’s a huge challenge in his hands, but right now he seems absolutely capable of handling it. I’m excited to see what he does.”
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
