Karun Chandhok credits Marco Antonelli for Kimi Antonelli’s career path
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 11:29 AM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok stated that Kimi Antonelli’s development within the Mercedes junior programme remains the best career decision made by his father, Marco Antonelli. By avoiding a role as a Ferrari junior, the 20-year-old driver has avoided the significant pressure associated with being an Italian driver for the Ferrari team. Antonelli currently leads the 2026 season standings following seven grand prix victories, including a recent win at the Italian Grand Prix. He holds a 66-point lead over teammate George Russell as the series approaches the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Chandhok noted that the Mercedes programme provided a necessary environment for nurturing the driver's early career before any potential future move to Ferrari.
- •Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 standings after seven grand prix wins.
- •He holds a 66-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell.
- •Karun Chandhok suggests joining Mercedes prevented excessive pressure compared to a Ferrari junior role.
- •Antonelli secured his seventh win of the season at the Italian Grand Prix.
- •The next race on the calendar is the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
- 11:29 AMMotorsport.com — Kimi Antonelli avoiding Ferrari was "best thing" his father did, says Karun Chandhok
- 11:29 AMYahoo Sports — Kimi Antonelli avoiding Ferrari was "best thing" his father did, says Karun Chandhok
"Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok believes that Kimi Antonelli's path through the Mercedes junior programme rather than Ferrari's is the "best thing" his father Marco could have done. Antonelli, who replaced seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, is currently dominating the 2026 season. He became the youngest driver to lead the standings after ...Keep reading
"Karun Chandhok believes Kimi Antonelli's decision to join Mercedes rather than Ferrari has helped reduce the pressure on the Italian
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comSep 10, 2026, 11:29 AMKimi Antonelli avoiding Ferrari was "best thing" his father did, says Karun Chandhok
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok believes that Kimi Antonelli's path through the Mercedes junior programme rather than Ferrari's is the "best thing" his father Marco could have done. Antonelli, who replaced seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, is currently dominating the 2026 season. He became the youngest driver to lead the standings after ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 11:29 AMKimi Antonelli avoiding Ferrari was "best thing" his father did, says Karun Chandhok
Karun Chandhok believes Kimi Antonelli's decision to join Mercedes rather than Ferrari has helped reduce the pressure on the Italian
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