Kimi Antonelli’s response to F1 icon after toppling George Russell | F1 | Sport

Formula 1 leader Kimi Antonelli is showing he’s ready for the demands of the grid after a blistering start to 2026, proving his doubters wrong. And former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is among those whose judgment of the driver was perhaps wide of the mark.

Antonelli, 19, became the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the world championship table following his win at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. He crossed the line ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell to celebrate back-to-back wins. He’s also taken pole and set the fastest laps in both Japan and China, albeit with Mercedes‘ superior W17 powering his charge to the summit. His success calls into question whether Villeneuve spoke too soon when he dismissed the Italian’s chances last year. Villeneuve, who won the 1997 F1 title with Williams, suggested Antonelli had bitten off more than he could chew when he made his debut at 18. However, one season of F1 experience has proved ample following his superb start to the 2026 campaign.

“It’s too much too soon,” the Canadian told YaySweepstakes.com in March 2025. “Kimi Antonelli had a terrible season in Formula 2. Is it because he was already signed for F1 and the pressure got the better of him, who knows?

“Or maybe because he didn’t like that kind of car, and maybe it’s better for him to be in a Formula 1 car. These are all question marks that we will find out very quickly, very soon.

“He seems to be capable of taking risks and pushing the car, but then feeling where that edge is, we don’t know yet. Or how does he work on a full season developing and evolving the car?”

F1’s new regulations appear to be playing into Mercedes’ hands and look incredibly well-suited to the W17’s design. However, it also speaks volumes that Antonelli is now also getting the edge over partner Russell, who is, of course, driving the exact same machine.

Some question marks were raised when Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff went all in on teenager Antonelli as a replacement for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. But despite his lack of experience, that call now appears to be paying dividends.

Villeneuve continued: “How will the balance be between him and Russell? Will they work hand in hand with similar driving styles or completely opposite driving styles, which then makes it difficult for the team to evolve the car in a direction that pleases both drivers?

“The jury is out on Antonelli, but so many people in the media want him to be amazing. I hope he is, because if not, it will be a very heavy load to carry for him. A lot of pressure on his shoulders.”

Thankfully for the youngster, the former appears true as Antonelli continues to rise to every challenge set in front of him. And the pressure of protecting pole hasn’t fazed him in either of the last two races.

The first break of the season means the F1 campaign won’t pick back up until the Miami Grand Prix takes place on May 3. And fans the world over will be waiting to see how Antonelli responds to the burden of leadership once he’s had time to properly process his achievements.