Antonelli: Hamilton, Verstappen advice has stopped as Mercedes rivalry intensifies
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli reveals that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have stopped offering him advice now that he leads the F1 championship. The 19-year-old says his new status as a title contender has changed those dynamics, making his rivalry with teammate George Russell the primary focus.
Kimi Antonelli says the mentorship he received from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during his rookie F1 season has ended now that he leads the championship for Mercedes. The 19-year-old, with two wins from three races, acknowledges his new status as a genuine rival has changed those dynamics, shifting the competitive focus squarely to his intra-team battle with George Russell.
Why it matters:
The end of guidance from established champions marks a symbolic and practical rite of passage for a young driver. It signifies that Antonelli is no longer viewed as a promising rookie but as a direct championship threat, fundamentally altering his relationships within the paddock. This shift underscores the intense, performance-based nature of F1, where alliances are often temporary and contingent on competitive standings.
The details:
- Antonelli confirmed to BILD that Hamilton and Verstappen were "very open and helped me" last year but have now stopped offering advice.
- Hamilton's key advice to the Italian was to "always be myself and enjoy what I do in order to be fast," a mindset Antonelli says is crucial amid the sport's immense pressure.
- The counsel appears effective: Antonelli is the youngest driver ever to lead the World Championship, with two wins and two poles already in 2026.
- His primary rivalry is now internal with teammate George Russell, who sits just nine points behind in the standings.
- Antonelli describes Russell as "a great guy" but is clear-eyed about their relationship: "He's not just my teammate, he's also my rival. He's the only driver who has the same car as me."
What's next:
The cordial partnership with Russell will face its first major stress test as the season develops. With Mercedes' W17 car appearing to be the class of the 2026 field, the battle for intra-team supremacy will likely become the central narrative of their championship campaign. Antonelli's adaptation to being the hunted, rather than the helper-seeking rookie, will be critical to maintaining his early momentum and managing the escalating pressure within the Silver Arrows garage.