Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has attributed Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 World Championship victory to the comprehensive support provided by Mercedes. Montoya stated that without the team’s sustained backing, Antonelli might not have remained in Formula 1 after his debut season.
Antonelli, at 20 years and 68 days old, secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever Formula 1 World Champion. This achievement also marked him as the first Italian world champion in 73 years.
The Italian driver’s sophomore season in F1 saw him claim nine wins, seven pole positions, and 16 podium finishes across 19 Grands Prix. His campaign included a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid.
Montoya emphasized the importance of a supportive environment for young talent. He noted that Antonelli’s growth from his rookie year to his championship-winning season was significant.
“If Antonelli had been in a different academy last year, the way he performed, there would have been a good chance there was no Antonelli this year in F1. And you probably would have missed one of the greatest talents in F1.”
Mercedes’ commitment to Antonelli was evident despite errors made during his first year. The team maintained confidence in his abilities and provided the necessary space for development.
This approach, according to Montoya, was crucial. He suggested that other driver academies could learn from Mercedes’ patience, as many might lose promising talents by rushing their progression.
A key figure in Antonelli’s success has been his race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington. Bonnington, who previously worked with Lewis Hamilton for over a decade, was promoted to Head of Race Engineering for 2026 while continuing as Antonelli’s engineer.
Montoya highlighted Bonnington’s exceptional ability to understand and extract the best performance from drivers. He noted Bonnington’s skill in setting up the car to ensure driver comfort within its optimal operating window.
Bonnington himself described Antonelli as a “diamond in the rough” during the early stages of their partnership. He admitted not initially foreseeing Antonelli’s rapid ascent to a world championship.
Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in 2019 and was promoted to the Formula 1 team for the 2025 season. His 2026 F1 lineup with George Russell consists entirely of graduates from the Mercedes academy.
The relationship between Antonelli and Bonnington extends beyond the professional. Antonelli has engaged in a series of pranks against his engineer, including disabling his access card.
Antonelli stated that Bonnington has grown to enjoy these interactions, indicating a strong personal rapport within the team.
Looking ahead to 2027, Montoya has identified Antonelli and Max Verstappen as primary contenders for the World Championship. He also suggested that a Ferrari driver could emerge as a surprise challenger.
