Antonelli's first F1 win was ‘just a matter of time’ says Bottas

Valtteri Bottas has expressed his admiration for Kimi Antonelli following the teenager's impressive start to the 2026 season, including consecutive victories in Shanghai and Suzuka. Bottas, who worked closely with Antonelli during his time as a Mercedes reserve driver, highlighted the 19-year-old's growth and maturity, noting that his recent success was expected given his talent and the car's performance. Antonelli's journey has been marked by significant development since his rookie season. After a turbulent first year, the Italian driver has solidified his position, now leading the Championship and showcasing resilience—notably overcoming a poor start in Japan to secure victory. Bottas, drawing on his own experience at Mercedes, commended the youngster's ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain composure under pressure.