Kimi Antonelli Vows to Rebuild Championship Lead at Malaysia GP

Posted : 30 September 2026

Kimi Antonelli is determined to respond at Sepang this weekend after George Russell reduced his advantage in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship to 66 points with victory in Azerbaijan. The Mercedes rookie finished fifth in Baku after a difficult weekend that included a practice setback and a qualifying crash.

The 20-year-old Italian had started the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 16th on the grid and struggled to find his usual confidence during the race. Russell, meanwhile, converted pole position into his eighth career victory, cutting Antonelli’s championship advantage from 81 points to 66 with eight rounds remaining.

Antonelli said he intends to return to his normal level in Malaysia and restore the competitive order within Mercedes. He acknowledged that his performance in Baku was below his usual standard but welcomed the opportunity to immediately put the weekend behind him.

“I’ll make sure I re-establish the order and just make sure that I am back to my usual level,” Antonelli said. He also joked that he had been driving “more like my grandma” during the Azerbaijan weekend.

The Malaysian Grand Prix weekend has an unusual status on the 2026 calendar. Sepang is hosting the event originally scheduled for Bahrain after the race was relocated because of tensions in the Middle East. The event will officially be known as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and takes place from October 2 to 4.

Formula 1 is returning to Sepang for the first time since 2017. The circuit presents a very different challenge from Baku, with long straights, fast corners and the possibility of heavy tropical rain. Antonelli said the weather could be particularly challenging because many drivers have little experience of driving the current cars at Sepang in wet conditions.

Russell enters the weekend with renewed momentum after his Baku victory. He has said he wants to continue fighting for victories during the remaining races as he attempts to close the gap to his Mercedes teammate.

Mercedes will also face competition from Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. Max Verstappen finished second in Azerbaijan after starting eighth, while Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar completed the podium. Ferrari has also promised further upgrades as the teams prepare for another demanding round of the championship.

The Sepang return will also provide opportunities for several experienced drivers. Lewis Hamilton is chasing further success at a circuit where he has previously won, while Fernando Alonso will aim to add to his record at the venue. With unpredictable weather potentially affecting the weekend, the first Formula 1 race at Sepang in nine years is set to provide a different test for the championship contenders.

Kimi Antonelli Vows to Rebuild Championship Lead at Malaysia GP

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