Kimi Antonelli: Montreal weekend won't be straightforward but we’re also bringing upgrades

The 19-year-old Italian has stunned the paddock by winning three consecutive Grands Prix from pole position after opening the season in the shadow of Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli now heads to the Canadian Grand Prix with a 20 point advantage over the Briton after only 4 race weekends.

The remarkable run has fuelled growing belief that Antonelli could become Formula 1’s youngest World Champion, although the Mercedes driver himself admits: “That’s the question mark, even for myself. I think the year of experience last season is playing a massive role .

"Also going through the difficult moments last year helped me, made me a lot stronger. I feel more in control of the situation, more aware of what’s good and not good for me. Just trying to focus on the right things.

"So far it’s going pretty well and obviously the goal this weekend is to pick up where we left off in Miami and just continue this good streak. Obviously you never know, I think it’s not impossible to maintain this form for the whole year.”

Antonelli’s rise has become one of the defining stories of the 2026 Formula 1 season marred by controversial engine rules. After showing flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign, the Mercedes youngster has elevated himself into a genuine title contender with a combination of raw speed, composure and consistency under the demanding new regulations.

Mercedes meanwhile arrive in Montreal armed with their first substantial upgrade package of the season, at a circuit where Russell won last year and Antonelli celebrated his maiden Formula 1 podium: “It’s a place that has a special meaning to me because it’s where I got my first podium.

“This weekend we will definitely try to make even better memories, try to finish on the highest step of the podium but we know it’s going to be difficult.

“George has always been very strong here, it’s not going to be straightforward but we’re also bringing upgrades which hopefully they will work well. We’ve tried on the simulator and so far they seem positive.”

One weakness Antonelli is still working to eliminate is his race starts, with the Italian losing positions off the line several times already this season despite his dominant qualifying form.

Mercedes have therefore introduced a revised clutch paddle setup on his W17 this weekend in a bid to improve launch consistency. Antonelli explained: “We made a minor change and hopefully this will help me to be more consistent with the starts and allow myself not to lose any positions off the line."

With Montreal traditionally rewarding driver confidence and commitment, Antonelli now faces another key test in what is rapidly becoming a breakthrough title campaign. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier in Montreal)