Twelve months ago at Spa-Francorchamps, a tearful Kimi Antonelli struggled to hold his composure after a nightmare sprint weekend that left him searching for answers.
The 18-year-old rookie was eliminated in Q1 twice during that 2025 Belgian weekend, finishing both races well down the order in what became a defining low point of his debut season.
Fast forward to 2026, and the contrast is almost impossible to believe, with Antonelli now standing as Italy’s second-most successful driver in Formula 1 history.
Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix victory was his sixth win of the 2026 season and his sixth career triumph overall, extending his drivers’ championship lead to 45 points.
Lewis Hamilton now sits second in the standings, with teammate George Russell a further five points back after retiring from the Belgian GP on the opening lap.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been watching this transformation closely, and admits even he has been taken aback by what Antonelli has delivered this season.
“We’re all surprised,” Wolff said following the race, reflecting on just how far his young driver has come since those difficult middle months of 2025.
Wolff acknowledged that the first season unfolded largely as expected, with brilliant flashes of talent offset by a challenging run of poor results, but said the winter reset changed everything for the young Italian.
“What was not expected is the serenity and structure that he brought into his game,” Wolff explained, adding that Antonelli’s debrief approach is “absolutely transactional” regardless of whether a session has gone well or badly.
Wolff also highlighted Antonelli’s remarkable composure following mechanical setbacks in Barcelona and Silverstone, noting that the teenager told his team “this is a mechanical sport, these things can happen,” which left the Mercedes boss genuinely impressed.
“That is very, very impressive to see,” Wolff said, suggesting that this mindset is “probably one of the main drivers that has allowed the talent to shine so early in his career.”
Antonelli himself was asked directly whether, during that dark weekend at Spa in 2025, he could have envisioned reaching the heights he has this year.
“No, absolutely not,” the 19-year-old replied with characteristic honesty, acknowledging that the 2025 Belgian weekend represented the lowest moment of his fledgling Formula 1 career.
“Last year here, I probably reached the bottom, so it was a very difficult weekend for me mentally,” Antonelli said, before adding, “But this year was definitely a lot better.”
The maturity Antonelli has displayed throughout 2026 has drawn widespread admiration across the paddock, with his ability to separate emotion from performance setting him apart from drivers far senior in experience.
With a 45-point championship lead and six victories already banked, Antonelli looks increasingly capable of delivering Mercedes their most exciting world championship contender in years.