Kimi Antonelli has adopted a more relaxed approach to racing following his recent success in securing the 2026 Formula 1® Drivers’ Championship. After clinching the title with a third-place finish in Mexico City, Antonelli is focusing on enjoying the remainder of the season, including the challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
During the practice sessions at Interlagos, Antonelli demonstrated strong pace, narrowly missing out on the fastest time in the first practice and topping the second session. Despite the unpredictable weather forecast, with a significant chance of rain on Saturday afternoon, Antonelli and his team are preparing to adapt to the variable conditions.
The Sao Paulo circuit presents a demanding environment, characterized by low grip and high tyre degradation. This places a premium on car balance and the ability to adjust to changing track conditions. Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Antonelli’s outfit, faces strategic complexities, including managing engine penalties. George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate, is set to take a five-place grid penalty, and Antonelli is also expected to introduce an additional internal combustion engine component during the weekend.
Competition remains close among the leading teams, with McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari all expected to challenge strongly, particularly in qualifying. The unpredictable weather and track conditions at Interlagos add further layers of complexity, requiring teams and drivers to be flexible in their approach.
Antonelli has expressed a desire to enjoy racing more now that the pressure of the championship fight has eased. This mindset shift reflects a new phase in his rookie season, where the focus moves from securing points to refining performance and embracing the racing experience.
Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord has highlighted the strategic challenges posed by engine penalties and the importance of adapting to the variable weather. The team’s approach at Sao Paulo will need to balance performance with reliability, especially given the likelihood of additional internal combustion engine usage by Antonelli.
The practice sessions have underlined the fine margins at play in Sao Paulo, where tyre degradation and track grip are significant factors. Mercedes and its rivals will need to manage these elements carefully to maintain competitiveness throughout the weekend.
Antonelli’s comments and performance during the Sao Paulo weekend illustrate how securing the championship has influenced his mindset, allowing him to approach the remaining races with a more relaxed and enjoyable outlook. This perspective offers insight into the evolving challenges and strategies within the Mercedes team as they navigate the complexities of the 2026 season.