Kimi Antonelli Says First F1 World Title Has Made Him Even Hungrier for Success

Posted : 12 November 2026

Kimi Antonelli believes his historic Formula One world championship has made him even more determined to achieve further success in the sport. The Italian says the excitement of winning the title has strengthened his appetite for more victories as he turns his attention towards the next season.

Speaking at a press conference in San Marino on Thursday, Antonelli explained that becoming champion had given him an experience he wants to enjoy repeatedly. He said his immediate target is to finish the current campaign with additional wins before carrying that momentum into 2027.

The 20-year-old secured his maiden drivers’ championship at the Mexican Grand Prix earlier this month after an outstanding second season in Formula One. His nine Grand Prix victories also helped Mercedes clinch the constructors’ title in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

Despite his remarkable campaign, Antonelli knows that defending his crown will be a major challenge. He acknowledged that Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari have made significant progress, narrowing the performance gap and making the competition much tighter than it was at the beginning of the season.

The Mercedes driver also recognised that the balance of power could vary from circuit to circuit, meaning no team is guaranteed to be quickest at every race. He is therefore hoping Mercedes can produce another competitive car while continuing to improve his own performances.

Antonelli became the youngest Formula One world champion at 20 years and 68 days, beating Sebastian Vettel’s previous record by more than three years. His achievement also made him the first Italian to win the drivers’ championship since Alberto Ascari claimed the title with Ferrari in 1953.

The success represents a remarkable turnaround from his debut season, when he managed only three podium finishes after replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Antonelli said greater confidence, experience and a more relaxed approach helped him make significant progress this year.

He added that having a competitive car gave him extra motivation to push harder, while his improved understanding of Formula One allowed him to approach the season with greater self-awareness.

Kimi Antonelli Says First F1 World Title Has Made Him Even Hungrier for Success

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics