Antonelli says some Mercedes staff questioned his attack on Leclerc

At the Mexico City Grand Prix, ninth place was enough for Kimi Antonelli to secure the 2026 title. He instead made a late-braking move on Charles Leclerc at Turn 1 after the red-flag restart, climbing from fourth to third.

On the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Antonelli said some Mercedes team members questioned the risk, asking: “Couldn't you have just stayed behind?”

He said he wanted a podium and to clinch the title with a good race, rather than simply do the job of finishing ninth. Antonelli finished third behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.