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Antonelli says preparation for 2027 title defence starts now

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-05GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

The newly crowned champion sees the remaining races of 2026 as the opening phase of his bid to retain the title.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Kimi Antonelli says the final races of 2026 are already part of his preparation to defend the Formula 1 title next year. “My 2027 preparation starts now,” he said at Thursday’s media day ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Mercedes driver clinched the championship in Mexico City last weekend, becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion. This weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix will be his first race since securing the title.

Antonelli said being world champion “still feels surreal” and that he would have liked more time to take in the achievement. He said finishing 2026 strongly would help him build confidence ahead of 2027.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEAntonelli says 2027 preparation starts nowBBC Sport F1