Mercedes’ younger expertise Andrea Kimi Antonelli says drivers have to be “open-minded” and “inventive” when racing within the new 2026 F1 automotive.
The 2026 rule reset has raised many questions on how the brand new automotive quirks will have an effect on the race.
After final week’s shakedown in Barcelona, many drivers discovered their fears concerning the new rules to have subsided to some extent, however new considerations have arisen, akin to about power administration in qualifying and extra advanced observe battles.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris admitted earlier this week that the 2026 race will probably be a “mess” for drivers, significantly when it comes to how new engine battery energy is managed.
Mercedes sophomore Andrea Kimi Antonelli says it’s “like chess” and would require an “open-minded” method to the race.
“It is an enormous step to need to handle this a lot power and race,” he mentioned at a Mercedes media occasion earlier this week.
“And I believe this yr we now have to enter the season with a really open thoughts and in addition be very inventive in a means, as a result of particularly while you’re taking part in towards different folks, you possibly can play with power, and it is sort of like chess.”
“However in fast-paced chess, you do not have a lot time to consider your strikes.
“However this yr you at all times need to be two steps forward of different gamers, particularly while you battle, while you’re planning your overtaking or defending, you at all times need to be two steps forward of different gamers to anticipate your opponent or power them to do one thing.
“So, there’s lots to play for. That is why I believe we now have to be open-minded and even inventive at occasions this season.”
2026 Mercedes F1 automotive on the observe in Barcelona
2026 brings alternatives for younger drivers to adapt shortly
Kimi Antonelli is in his second season in a Grand Prix automotive, competing in F4, System Regional, F2 and F1 vehicles from 2022.
Due to this, he believes that, like different younger drivers, he’s probably to have the ability to adapt to the brand new guidelines sooner as he didn’t have time to regulate his earlier automotive.
“For all of the rookies who joined F1 final yr, I believe it is undoubtedly good to have a brand new automotive this yr as a result of we’re used to driving a unique automotive yearly,” he added.
“So we now have change into accustomed to adapting to new vehicles as shortly as attainable.
“So, on that entrance, in fact, it is good to have a brand new automotive this yr as a result of it is a reset for everybody, particularly for us who’re used to a brand new automotive yearly.”
“Perhaps it would aid you perceive the automotive somewhat sooner than different vehicles.
“However the others aren’t silly both, so I am certain they will determine it out quickly.”
