Kimi Antonelli describes unusual qualifying session after Verstappen’s strict team orders at Monza

Summary

Antonelli's performance this season has drawn comparisons to Verstappen due to his superior race pace, though he still trails in wheel-to-wheel racecraft. Verstappen has publicly praised Antonelli's efforts, especially after his notable Monza victory. Additionally, Antonelli shared his experience of a 'weird feeling' following a strict instruction from Verstappen while supporting George Russell, indicating ongoing team dynamics and race strategies.

The Full Story

Kimi Antonelli revealed the unusual circumstances he faced during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, where a complex interplay of team tactics and rival interference created a “weird feeling” for the young Mercedes driver. Antonelli, who had taken a back-of-the-grid penalty for an engine change, was tasked with aiding his Mercedes teammate George Russell by providing a slipstream on the high-speed Monza circuit. However, the plan was complicated by Max Verstappen’s presence, who attempted to disrupt Mercedes’ strategy by slowing down and allowing Antonelli to pass, an action that would have undermined Russell’s chance at pole position [3].

Antonelli explained that he was “strictly told” not to overtake Verstappen during the session, which left him caught in a difficult position between the Red Bull and Russell. Despite Verstappen’s efforts to let him through, Antonelli stayed behind the Dutch driver to preserve the tow for Russell. This created a tense and “weird” qualifying experience, as Antonelli juggled the demands of helping his teammate while navigating the unusual scenario of being sandwiched between two rivals on a track where slipstreaming is critical. He also noted that during the cooldown lap, managing boost was challenging, forcing him to take “odd lines” to avoid impeding others, adding to the session’s stress [3].

The tactical battle in qualifying was just one chapter in a weekend that showcased Antonelli’s growing prowess in Formula 1. Despite starting from 20th on the grid due to his penalty, Antonelli delivered a stunning drive to claim victory at his home race in Monza. His charge through the field drew immediate comparisons to Verstappen, who has become synonymous with relentless comebacks and superior race pace. Antonelli’s ability to slice through the pack with apparent ease, aided by a red flag and restart, demonstrated his maturity and racecraft at just 19 years old in his second F1 season [1].

Antonelli’s performance was particularly notable against George Russell, his Mercedes teammate and a driver who had declared himself ready to challenge for the title at the end of 2025. At Monza, Russell was decisively outpaced and outmaneuvered by Antonelli, who dominated the race day battle. This dynamic has shifted the narrative around Russell’s championship credentials, as Antonelli’s rapid rise and consistent race-day superiority recall past intra-team rivalries where a younger driver eclipsed an established contender. The comparison to Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles against Verstappen at Red Bull highlights the significance of Antonelli’s emergence as a leading talent [1].

Max Verstappen, who finished third at Monza, acknowledged Antonelli’s impressive form and praised the Mercedes driver for his consistent ability to capitalize on opportunities. Verstappen described Antonelli as “doing a good job” every weekend, recognizing the pressure the Italian faces competing in front of his home crowd. Verstappen himself struggled with Red Bull’s lack of straight-line speed on the Monza straights, which hampered his ability to challenge the Mercedes-powered cars. He admitted that overtaking was difficult due to deployment issues between the first and second chicanes, forcing him into aggressive outside passes and defensive maneuvers throughout the race [2].

Verstappen also recounted a tense moment at Turn 2 when the tarmac surface deteriorated, nearly causing him to run off track after picking up gravel. Despite these challenges, Verstappen managed to secure a podium finish, though he acknowledged that Red Bull’s pace deficit on the straights limited his race strategy and defensive options. His comments underscored the ongoing technical battle between Red Bull and Mercedes, with the latter currently holding an advantage in power unit deployment and top speed, especially on high-speed circuits like Monza [2].

With Antonelli leading the championship by 59 points heading into the Italian Grand Prix, his dominant weekend further cements his status as the early favorite for the 2026 title. The combination of his qualifying tactics, race pace, and composure under pressure reflects a driver rapidly evolving into a complete package. Meanwhile, the strategic complexities involving Verstappen’s interference in qualifying highlight the intense rivalry and tactical chess games unfolding at the front of the grid.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Antonelli manages his championship lead and whether Mercedes can maintain their technical edge over Red Bull. The Italian’s ability to handle unusual situations, such as the qualifying drama at Monza, will be critical as the title fight intensifies. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s candid reflections on Red Bull’s limitations suggest further development battles lie ahead for the Dutchman and his team. The unfolding storylines promise a gripping continuation to the 2026 Formula 1 season [1][2][3].