Newly turned 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli is not looking too far ahead despite holding a 59-point lead in the 2026 Formula One world drivers' championship after 12 rounds.
The Mercedes sensation has created several records on his way to leading the championship in just his second season. Teammate George Russell in the same car and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari are both 59 points behind the Italian.
Despite enjoying success with the Silver Arrows and looking primed for a world title, Antonelli knows very well that triumph is still a long way off. Considering how Oscar Piastri lost the title despite having led for the majority of 2025, Antonelli is wisely choosing to tread with caution.
"The job is not done yet. We're only halfway through, and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved," he told F1.
Antonelli has won six races this season alongside four further podiums in 12 rounds as he has made the most of his machinery. Heading into the F1 mid-season break, he held a 50-point lead and used the time off to step out of "the zone" while enjoying time with his family.
"We watched some of the races on TV while eating dinner. We still talked about F1, but it was in a nice way, just reminding us what we achieved. You need to be happy about it, of course – but at the same time not get carried away by it and still maintain focus," he added.
The Italian endured a tough 2025 campaign, finishing seventh in the championship with only three podiums to his name. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called his performance at his home Monza "underwhelming" last year, but Antonelli has turned the tables this season with valuable experience under his belt.
He will now be one of the favourites to win at the 'Temple of Speed' this weekend.
"Experience is playing a massive role," Antonelli said.
"Of course, I still have a lot of experience to gain, but I think last year – despite all the bad moments and difficult periods – was what I needed because it helped me to grow even more than I anticipated. It made me stronger emotionally and mentally."
Having turned 20 a week ago, he admitted that he is enjoying his newfound fame.
"I'm enjoying it. I try to embrace this moment as much as possible. Of course, there are times where you cannot please everyone, unfortunately, but I try to embrace it as much as possible.
"I try to do as much as I can because I think the fans are very special and they're a big part of our sport. I think they are the ones who really make it even greater. So, seeing their excitement and support is always very nice," he added.
During his historic run, Antonelli became the youngest F1 championship leader, the youngest pole-sitter, and the first driver to register three wins from his first three pole positions. He now eyes becoming the youngest F1 world champion, a record currently held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23-years and 134-days old when he won his 2010 championship. | IANS