Mercedes modify Kimi Antonelli’s car after noticing physical difference compared to George Russell

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Mercedes have made a modification to Kimi Antonelli’s car after noticing a physical difference compared to George Russell.

Antonelli, 19, has enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, securing four wins in a row to lead the world championship standings.

Last time out, Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix while Russell was forced to retire due to a power unit issue.

As a result, Antonelli now leads by 43 points with Russell needing a strong weekend at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.

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Mercedes modify Kimi Antonelli’s car after noticing physical difference

Although Antonelli has had a flying start to the season, it has been noted that Mercedes have made a change to his car due to a physical difference compared to Russell.

According to F1’s Tech Weekly, Mercedes introduced a new clutch paddle that has been ‘specifically reshaped to his preferences’.

It has been suggested that Antonelli has ‘physically smaller hands’ than Russell, which meant he had to stretch his fingers more to operate the paddle, which could have given him a less precise feeling.

F1 Tech Weekly stated that the newly reshaped paddle is mounted higher than the previous version, meaning the Italian can reach it more easily.

In addition, the finger holes have also been altered to ‘precisely match Antonelli’s physiology’.

The result of Mercedes’ changes should be that Antonelli will be able to be more consistent in achieving the desired combination of clutch slip and wheelspin, which will improve his launch off the line at race starts.

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READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli urged to avoid Oscar Piastri repeat amid ‘golden opportunity’ to win the F1 title

Kimi Antonelli ‘not thinking’ about world title despite 43-point lead over George Russell

Heading into this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, Antonelli is looking to extend his winning streak to five races.

With a healthy lead at the top of the standings, many people are starting to label Antonelli as the champion-elect.

However, the man himself is not looking too far ahead as he admitted that he is currently ‘not thinking’ about the championship.

As per F1, Antonelli said: “I’m not thinking about the championship. I’m just focusing on race by race. 

“I think it’s still very early to talk about that, and of course, now I have this gap, but that doesn’t mean I can relax and just take it easier.

“Instead, I need to keep levelling up and keep raising the bar, because it’s not going to be easy.

“Competitors are getting closer, and also George is super quick, so definitely I’m just going to try to focus on myself and enjoy the driving, and trying to really drive as fast as possible.”