Championship leader Antonelli credits Federer advice for staying grounded with 59-point F1 lead

Kimi Antonelli heads into the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a 59-point championship lead, and the 20-year-old Mercedes driver says advice from tennis legend Roger Federer has been central to keeping him grounded through the most successful start to a career the sport has seen in years.

In only his second F1 season, Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead the world championship standings after back-to-back victories in China and Japan. He has since added four more grand prix wins before the summer break, pulling clear of team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in the standings.

Reflecting on how he used the mid-season recess, Antonelli described a deliberate effort to decompress without losing sight of the task ahead. “We watched some of the races on TV while eating dinner. We still talked about F1, but it was in a nice way, just reminding us what we achieved,” he told F1.com. “You need to be happy about it, but at the same time not get carried away from it and still maintain focus. The job is not done yet. We’re only halfway through and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved.”

The Italian driver also revealed that a conversation with Federer — who attended the Pirelli Hot Laps event — left a lasting impression. Federer’s message to “always be yourself and be able to enjoy it as well” has, Antonelli says, translated directly into how he performs behind the wheel.

“When you understand that you also have to enjoy it as well, it makes the difference, because it helps you to — I feel like at least in my case — drive more relaxed, enjoy the driving more, feel more the car, and then the performance just comes much easier,” Antonelli explained. “Instead of when you’re chasing it, and you’re driving tense, it’s a big difference.”

He added that maintaining a positive outlook even in difficult moments has become a key part of his mental toolkit. “Even when something goes bad, there’s always a positive that can be found, and that can help you to grow.”

With half the season still to run and Russell and Hamilton both within striking distance if Antonelli’s form dips, the championship remains far from settled — a fact the young Mercedes driver appears acutely aware of.