F1 comes into the Canadian Grand Prix with all eyes on one story line – Kimi Antonelli’s incredible start to the season. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver has been victorious for three consecutive races and is now coming into the race with hopes of claiming an unusual fourth win in a row. His impressive performance has made him 20 points ahead of the field with just four races into the campaign. The Canadian Grand Prix might just be another stepping stone to success in the title hunt. Antonelli won his first-ever Formula 1 podium at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last year. Now he’s returning with much higher hopes and expectations in mind with Mercedes.
Antonelli understands what’s happening around him and regarding the expectations, he said, “At the end, it’s still a very long season, a lot of races left. And I know on my side I just need to keep raising the bar.”
Antonelli understands that things are going to get even more difficult at this race. This is because his teammate, George Russell, has enjoyed great success at the track, claiming a victory last year after securing pole in 2024. Not only that, but Mercedes is arriving in Canada with a significant car update. Antonelli himself admits that Russell is expected to be very quick. Despite all that, the youngster stays cool.
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Mercedes’ challengers hopeful
However, despite the strong start made by Mercedes, their rivals are of the view that the Canadian Grand Prix can change everything. This is because Red Bull’s Verstappen will always be one of their biggest competitors since he won three races previously in Canada. Moreover, the four-time world champion continued preparing himself for his upcoming races by participating in the Nürburgring 24-Hours last week. McLaren also needs to perform better this time after having such an incredible victory in the Canadian GP last year when Lando Norris won the sprint race and crashed into Oscar Piastri during the feature race. However, Ferrari needs to improve its performance as they have not been performing well recently after changes in regulations regarding race starts. According to the team’s boss, Fred Vasseur, these regulations have cost Ferrari all its previous advantages.
Aston Martin arrives with lower expectations. Fernando Alonso hinted that retirement discussions may happen later this season, while Lance Stroll remains the only Canadian on the grid. However, the team’s ongoing engine performance issues have limited hopes of a strong home result.
Why the Canadian GP could be a mental turning point
Apart from the points and the upgrades, Canada can be another battleground of the mind for Mercedes. According to the former Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, an Antonelli victory in Canada against Russell will give him a psychological advantage for life. This track suits Russell as it has always been one of his best tracks. For Antonelli to emerge victorious at such a track, he will consolidate his position in the team at a very young age.
In addition to this, the pressure on Antonelli is already mounting due to the fact that he seeks to make history. An Italian has never achieved four successive wins in the sport since Alberto Ascari accomplished six straight victories in 1952. In addition to this, Antonelli wants to be the first Italian world champion after the last championship victory of Alberto Ascari in 1953.
