Antonelli says doubters added fuel to his world championship drive

Andrea Kimi Antonelli says he was motivated to prove wrong those who questioned whether he was ready for Formula 1. Mercedes promoted him quickly, bypassing Formula 3 and spending only one season in Formula 2 before his F1 debut last year at the age of 18 with the works team.

Antonelli acknowledged a difficult first season, including a nine-round spell without scoring on seven occasions, but was competitive from the start of his second year and overtook team mate George Russell in the standings. He clinched the title with four rounds remaining, securing nine grand prix wins, the most of any driver.

He said the experience of low moments and high-pressure situations had made him more mature as a driver and as a person, though he admitted there was room for improvement and described racing for Mercedes as accelerating his development.