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Grosjean Reveals How Mercedes’ Support Boosted Antonelli’s Success
Highlights
- Kimi Antonelli won five of the first six 2026 races.
- Antonelli leads Drivers’ Championship by 81 points over Russell.
- Mercedes’ strong backing credited for Antonelli’s improved performance.
- Antonelli won spectacularly at home race in Monza starting last.
- Grosjean calls Antonelli a unique, high-pressure thriving talent.
Romain Grosjean says Mercedes’ backing is central to Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 surge, telling Beyond The Grid the team’s support underpins his results and an 81-point lead over George Russell.
After a testing rookie season, Antonelli capitalises on Mercedes’ early-season pace, winning five of the first six races and banking regular podiums in between setbacks that haven’t disrupted momentum.
Antonelli wins five of the first six races in 2026.
Fragility remains. A Barcelona DNF and 15th at Silverstone cost points, yet Antonelli’s turnaround shows operational gains that keep the title fight under control.
Grosjean highlights Mercedes’ management as decisive. Rather than exposing a sophomore to spirals, the team refines the car and protects confidence through structured feedback and clear development priorities.
That scaffolding helps Antonelli process pressure. He appears energised by packed paddocks and constant interaction, turning noise into execution, a trait Grosjean contrasts with his own need for quiet reset.
Monza underlines it. Starting last, Antonelli carved through to win his home race, an overtake‑heavy drive that showcased tyre management, patience, and decisive strategy calls.
Starting last at Monza, Antonelli wins in a decisive, measured charge.
The competitive picture is stark. With an 81-point cushion, and with Russell largely contained, he can bank seconds without surrendering control, while reliability and operations remain the principal risks.
Crucially, the foundation is team-driven. Mercedes’ support and early advantage mirror previous winning cycles, suggesting this form is sustainable even as rivals chase development gains.
Grosjean credits Mercedes’ unwavering backing as the catalyst for Antonelli’s rise.
Grosjean’s assessment avoids hype. Talent matters, but environment converts it into points; maintain the backing and Antonelli’s campaign could be settled well before the season’s end.
Visual Summary
ANTONELLI ASCENDS
Driven by Mercedes’ confidence
5️⃣/6
Wins
Wins
+81
Points Lead
Points Lead
Top 3
All But 2
All But 2
“
“Mercedes knows how to lift a young driver. They didn’t let him fall when times were hard — they rebuilt the car and rebuilt his confidence. That’s why Antonelli is flying.”
— Romain Grosjean, Beyond The Grid
”
“Mercedes knows how to lift a young driver. They didn’t let him fall when times were hard — they rebuilt the car and rebuilt his confidence. That’s why Antonelli is flying.”
— Romain Grosjean, Beyond The Grid
”
Monza Miracle: 🚦⬆️🏁
🙌
🎉
🇮🇹
👏
🎉
🇮🇹
👏
Mercedes’ belief elevates Antonelli above the pack. With 81 points clear and championship form, he’s no longer just a rising star — he might be the next F1 phenomenon.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
