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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKimi Raikkonen has spoken in a rare interview with Italian media. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKimi Raikkonen has spoken in a rare interview with Italian media. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The former world champion has thrown his support behind Antonelli\u2019s title credentials, arguing the Mercedes driver possesses the mindset needed to cope with the demands of a championship battle.<\/p>\n
Raikkonen made the assessment during a rare interview with Italian publication Quotidiano Nazionale, pointing to the maturity Antonelli has displayed throughout his breakout campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cAntonelli won\u2019t lose focus; he\u2019s showing maturity,\u201d Raikkonen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll have to avoid imitating Piastri in 2025. At one point, the Australian McLaren driver seemed to have the title in his pocket, but he couldn\u2019t handle the pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Italian won\u2019t fall into the same trap.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comments come with Antonelli sitting atop the standings after establishing himself as one of F1\u2019s standout performers in 2026.<\/p>\n
Raikkonen believes the Italian\u2019s approach behind the scenes is a key reason why he is capable of sustaining a championship challenge across the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, and he believes in it. You can see it in the way he approaches the races, in the spirit he puts into it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The Finn also suggested Antonelli\u2019s recent results are not possible without possessing exceptional ability, highlighting the teenager\u2019s run of four straight victories.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, in Formula 1, you don\u2019t win four consecutive Grands Prix unless you have special talent,\u201d Raikkonen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAntonelli\u2019s numbers are a feat. Having the right car is crucial, but it\u2019s always been that way, throughout history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Raikkonen has rarely spoken publicly since ending his Formula 1 career in 2021, he admitted he has followed Antonelli\u2019s rise with particular interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cNaturally, I follow Antonelli\u2019s exploits with great sympathy,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m amused that he shares my name, even though I think it\u2019s just a coincidence. He\u2019s certainly very talented.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Antonelli currently leads the drivers\u2019 championship, Raikkonen believes Max Verstappen remains the benchmark driver in F1 when car performance is taken out of the equation.<\/p>\n
Asked who he considered the strongest driver on the grid, the 2007 world champion needed little time to answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cVerstappen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw him arrive in F1 during my second stint at Ferrari. Max is a phenomenon.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe won his first race in Spain right in front of me, ten years ago. That\u2019s when I realised a star was born.\u201d<\/p>\n
Raikkonen finished second to Verstappen in that memorable 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, the race that marked the Dutchman\u2019s first appearance for Red Bull after his promotion from Toro Rosso.<\/p>\n
The interview also saw Raikkonen reflect on Ferrari\u2019s continued search for another drivers\u2019 champion, a distinction he still holds nearly 19 years after securing the Scuderia\u2019s most recent title.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I left the Scuderia at the end of 2018, I hoped the team would quickly find a successor to me in the championship\u2019s roll of honour,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hasn\u2019t happened yet, but from afar I see encouraging signs.\u201d<\/p>\n