Kimi Antonelli says there is still plenty to do to secure his maiden F1 title in 2026. Image: Jayce Illman/Pro Star Pics
The Italian holds a 59-point lead over team-mate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton with 10 race weekends remaining after a remarkable second season in F1.
Antonelli has won six grands prix in 2026, with his maiden victory in China beginning a five-race winning streak that ran through to Monaco before he added a further win in Belgium.
The 20-year-old has also limited the damage on more difficult weekends, finishing third in Hungary and second at Zandvoort since his victory at Spa to maintain his healthy advantage at the top of the standings.
Despite spending part of the recent summer break between Hungary and the Netherlands reflecting on what Mercedes has achieved so far, Antonelli insisted his attention remained firmly on what is still ahead.
“You need to be happy about it of course – but at the same time not get carried away by it and still maintain focus,” Antonelli told F1.com.
“The job is not done yet. We’re only halfway through and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved.”
Antonelli’s position is a significant contrast to where he found himself during his rookie campaign only 12 months ago.
His maiden season included a difficult European stretch in which he scored points just twice across nine races, while his first Italian Grand Prix as an F1 driver ended with a ninth-place finish.
Antonelli ultimately finished seventh in the 2025 standings with 150 points, recording podiums in Canada, Brazil and Las Vegas but also suffering four retirements.
He said those setbacks had provided lessons that helped shape the calmer and more accomplished driver now leading the championship.
“Experience is playing a massive role,” Antonelli said.
“Of course, I still have a lot of experience to make, but I think last year despite all the bad moments, the difficult periods, I think that was what I needed because that helped me to grow even more than what I anticipated.
“It made me stronger emotionally and mentally.”
Antonelli added he had also worked to ensure the pressure surrounding his rapid rise did not consume him away from the cockpit.
He said he had made a point of spending time with Mercedes mechanics during race weekends and believed being able to relax before switching his focus back to driving had contributed to his performances.
“When you understand that you also have to enjoy as well, it makes the difference, because it helps you to… I feel like at least in my case… drive more relaxed, enjoy more the driving, feel more the car, and then the performance just comes much easier,” he explained.
“Instead of when you’re like chasing it and you’re driving tense, it’s a big difference.”
Antonelli heads to his home grand prix at Monza this weekend in a vastly different position to his difficult appearance there last season.
Although a power unit penalty will drop him 10 places on the grid, Antonelli said he believed his approach to the weekend had changed significantly in 12 months.
“I’m very excited,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere and it’s going to be a lot different compared to last year.
“I’m definitely going in with a different attitude, different mindset, and definitely I feel like I’m going to be able to enjoy the weekend a lot more.
“I’m really looking forward to be back.”
The Italian Grand Prix takes place on September 4-6.