Kimi Antonelli reveals mental reset behind 81-point Formula 1 lead

Kimi Antonelli has described how intensive preparation and work with a mental coach helped transform his second Formula 1 season, as he leads the world championship by 81 points. In an interview with BBC Sport, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver said a more relaxed approach had allowed him to access performance he struggled to produce during his debut campaign.

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Antonelli has won eight of the opening 14 grands prix, with team-mate George Russell his closest championship challenger. He told the BBC that the first indication of a change came during a wet January run at Silverstone. Although he completed only a few laps, he immediately felt more comfortable mentally in the car than he had the previous year.

The Italian said his crash in practice at Monza in 2024 had continued to affect him throughout much of 2025. The incident came during his first appearance at a grand prix weekend, after Mercedes announced him as Lewis Hamilton's replacement. Antonelli explained that fear of making another mistake became particularly difficult during a challenging spell midway through his first full season.

His response included reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of that campaign and undertaking demanding pre-season preparation. Work with his mental coach focused on staying engaged with the immediate task instead of worrying about eventual results or the consequences of falling short. Antonelli said his first pole position and victory also eased the pressure he had been carrying.

Another sign of progress came at the Australian season opener. Despite a heavy crash in final practice, Antonelli returned to finish less than three seconds behind race winner Russell. He credited the mechanics for getting him back on track and said he would not have managed the setback as effectively a year earlier. He acknowledged that the accident still disrupted the team's ability to prepare the car for qualifying and the race.

Antonelli also described learning from overdriving in Barcelona after his Monaco victory. Following his later win from 19th on the grid at Monza, he reminded himself not to repeat that reaction and won the Spanish Grand Prix a week later. He acknowledged thinking about a title that would make him Formula 1's youngest world champion, but stressed that the championship remained unfinished and that he needed to keep delivering at each race.