Peter Bonnington explains how Kimi Antonelli has surprised him with his Mercedes data

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Kimi Antonelli has been making huge steps forward in 2026, which is evidenced by his Mercedes telemetry.

The Italian claimed his first Formula 1 win at the Chinese Grand Prix, beating teammate George Russell and the Ferraris for victory. Antonelli is now the second-youngest winner in history behind Max Verstappen.

The 19-year-old became the youngest polesitter on Saturday, and he was able to convert that to victory on Sunday, only losing his lead on the opening lap to Lewis Hamilton. Everyone was full of praise for Antonelli, including race engineer Peter Bonnington.

A slam dunk from Kimi Antonelli, adding the fastest lap to his pole position and Grand Prix victory in China! ⏱️

Where does this rank in the list of the best maiden Grand Prix victories? 🤔

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After a difficult rookie season, marred by inconsistency and rookie mistakes, ‘Bono’ has worked closely with the young Italian to improve. Bonnington compared Antonelli to Michael Schumacher after the Chinese GP, with how he can find an ‘extra tenth’.

The 51-year-old stood on the podium with Antonelli, Russell and his former driver Lewis Hamilton in Shanghai, with Toto Wolff calling the podium a career highlight. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 (15/03, 9:18 am) after the race, Bonnington shared just how much the 19-year-old has developed.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Peter Bonnington can’t understand how Kimi Antonelli keeps everything together in Mercedes data

Max Verstappen predicts more wins for Antonelli after clinching his maiden victory in China. The Italian has worked hard to iron out his issues from 2025 and give him the chance to fight for the championship in 2026.

Bonnington pointed out how he can keep everything under control in his W17, but also admitted that Antonelli takes him by surprise with how he drives ‘so neutral’.

“It shows up a lot in the data, in that there’s the balance traces that we look at. When you sort of look at it and you think: ‘I don’t know how he’s driving a car so neutral, yet keeping it all together, keeping the temperatures under control, yet the thing is ready to pivot on its own axis.’

“It’s a thing to watch, and yeah, it’s great to see. And they always come back with feedback that you think, you’re able to adapt to a lot of things.

“And so, really, that they come back and say it needs to be turned on its head, it’s just they can adapt to stuff.”