Allison explains how Antonelli uses brake migration and diff

Mercedes technical director James Allison has described how Kimi Antonelli uses the tools on his steering wheel, including brake migration and the differential, to shape the car's behaviour through corners. Allison said Antonelli is willing to run extreme settings and trusts his own control to keep the car pointed towards the apex, which has been a large part of his pace this year.

Allison also said Antonelli's speed into corners helps him look after his rear tyres, particularly later in stints when rivals have pitted. The Italian won the 2026 title at the Mexican Grand Prix at the age of 20, in only his second season in F1.

Allison added that Antonelli gives race engineer Peter Bonnington a free hand, with the driver telling him to do what he thinks is right, and said Bonnington would likely describe it as one of the most pleasurable seasons he has had.