Story perspectives

Italian Rookie Antonelli Leverages Experience, Earns Alonso’s Praise

6/11/2026

Summary

Antonelli Embraces Experience

Italian driver Andrea Antonelli said his year of experience helps him read track evolution, balance weekend energy and stay unfazed by championship pressure.
He added he wants to focus on the process, enjoy the weekend and drive as fast as possible.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso called Antonelli an incredible talent, praised his dominating car, adaptability and mistake-free wins, and said delivering the title under pressure would be an incredible achievement.

Summary

Mercedes Dominates Spain

Mercedes entered the Spanish Grand Prix unbeaten after winning the first six races, with Kimi Antonelli taking five straight victories.
Toto Wolff said Barcelona will reveal the car’s true performance after two sprint events, urging that George Russell stay motivated.
Reserve driver Frederik Vesti will run in Friday’s FP1, piloting Antonelli’s W17 as part of Mercedes’ development programme.

Summary

Antonelli Leads Press

Driver Kimi Antonelli will lead Thursday’s FIA press conference for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The line-up includes champion Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson at 14:30 GMT, driver Carlos Sainz with Franco Colapinto at 15:00 GMT.
Toto Wolff will headline Friday’s press conference at 15:30 GMT with chief Ayao Komatsu and former director Mattia Binotto.
Stewards gave €5,000 fines to Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris for lateness at Monaco.

History

Historical Context

Mercedes’ 2014 debut of the hybrid-era W05 saw the team win 16 of 19 races, finish 296 points ahead of Red Bull and claim its first Constructors’ title, establishing a technical edge that still defines its strategy. The current lineup of rookie Kimi Antonelli and veteran Fernando Alonso echoes that dominance as they chase unbeaten runs at Barcelona.

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Antonelli Embraces Experience

Italian driver Andrea Antonelli said his year of experience helps him read track evolution, balance weekend energy and stay unfazed by championship pressure.
He added he wants to focus on the process, enjoy the weekend and drive as fast as possible.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso called Antonelli an incredible talent, praised his dominating car, adaptability and mistake-free wins, and said delivering the title under pressure would be an incredible achievement.

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