Andrea Kimi Antonelli admitted he by no means anticipated to seek out himself main the Components 1 World Championship after the opening half of the 2026 season, because the Mercedes driver mirrored on a exceptional marketing campaign following his podium end on the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Antonelli secured third place on the Hungaroring after recovering from seventh on the grid, capping off one other spectacular weekend earlier than Components 1 heads into its conventional summer time break.
The rostrum marked one other milestone in what has been a sensational rookie marketing campaign. Mercedes has emerged because the benchmark group in 2026, with Antonelli taking six victories, six pole positions, 9 quickest laps and 12 podium finishes from the opening section of the season.
Alongside the way in which, the Italian has additionally grow to be the youngest polesitter in Components 1 historical past, the youngest driver to guide the World Championship and the youngest driver to realize a grand chelem.
Following the race, Antonelli was requested whether or not his performances had exceeded the expectations he held earlier than the season started.
„However, , the automotive has been extraordinarily. Effectively, for certain, I didn’t anticipate finding myself on this place,“ he admitted. „The group has achieved an unimaginable job and, on my facet, I attempt to maximise each alternative I’ve.“
Regardless of having fun with one of many strongest begins to a Components 1 profession in current reminiscence, the 19-year-old insisted there may be nonetheless loads of room for enchancment.
„In fact, there’s nonetheless a number of work to do, heaps to study, but it surely was a great first half of the season.“
Antonelli has repeatedly credited Mercedes for offering him with a automotive able to combating on the entrance, whereas additionally highlighting the significance of consistency all through the championship battle.
With the summer time break now offering a chance for groups and drivers to recharge, Antonelli is already targeted on sustaining the momentum that has put him on the head of the standings.
„Now I am trying ahead to the second half and we’re simply going to maintain pushing,“ famous the younger Italian.
F1GP Hungary
