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FORMULA 1/ Kimi Antoneli does not hide: I am a candidate for the title, I do not feel pressure

2026-04-20 18:56:06 / SPORT ALFA PRESS

FORMULA 1/ Kimi Antoneli does not hide: I am a candidate for the title, I do not

With the season on pause due to the war in the Middle East, with two races canceled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Formula 1 is seeing light at the end of the tunnel as it prepares for the Miami Grand Prix.

“It’s been a long time, I can’t wait to get back in the car,” admits championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. His two convincing wins in Shanghai and Suzuka have lifted him to the top, while he has a 9-point advantage (72-63) over teammate George Russell and 23 points over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Antonelli appeared before the media with a calm demeanor. The Mercedes driver knows he has a big opportunity and intends to seize it.

"Of course I consider myself a candidate, that's why I'm here. I want to win races and titles. It's a great opportunity, we have a very good car and we want to use it," said the Italian talent. His closest rival could be his own teammate, as was once the case at Mercedes during the Lewis Hamilton - Nico Rosberg duel. However, Antonelli removes any doubt: "There is respect and the relationship is very strong. We work well together and the dynamics remain positive." But now the situation has changed, as it is no longer like in 2025, when Russell was a symbol of sustainability and Antonelli was simply trying to survive.

Now Kimi has a different approach: "I feel stronger and in control of the situation. I have more experience on the track, I know where I need to focus. I hope this will help me on the tracks where I had difficulties. The objective is to get back to where we left off". Without rushing, according to him, the approach is race after race: "I try to be in the best possible position to achieve a great result. I don't want to think about the final result right now. I need to focus on the present and get the most out of the car. This is achieved by focusing on the process and increasing the level step by step. Russell is very strong and the others will also be close", says the 19-year-old.

AN ADVANTAGE  There are other factors that explain the Antoneli phenomenon, besides mental strength and self-confidence. One is related to the new regulations, as he has adapted quickly to the new cars, which for many drivers are proving difficult: "We young people are used to driving a different car every year and that's what happened this season. You have to adapt and that helped me...".

Although he doesn't say it openly, the dream is clear: to write his name in the history of the sport and bring Italy back to the top. "I don't feel pressure. I know that expectations are higher after two victories and a strong start to the season. But I'm just focused on the process and what I have to do," concludes Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is aware that this is his moment and that he is more than a candidate...

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