Kimi Antonelli says he repeatedly questioned himself during F1 rookie season

Now a newly crowned Formula 1 champion, Kimi Antonelli says he repeatedly questioned himself during a difficult stretch of his 2025 rookie season, although he believes the experience helped him grow and mature faster.

Speaking with former F1 driver Anthony Davidson on the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Antonelli recalled good moments as well as a long, difficult spell in his first season. “I’ve been questioning myself over and over again,” he said.

Antonelli replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for his rookie campaign. He said moving straight into the team put him under a brighter spotlight and pushed him to learn faster.

Even when he felt he was not performing to the expected level, Antonelli said, Mercedes continued to give him its full support. He credited that backing with helping him through the difficult period and giving him confidence.

In 2026, Antonelli said, Mercedes’ approach let him be himself and have fun at the right moments, which he believes helped him focus in the car.