Formula 1 World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli: A lesson learnt whilst following Max Verstappen

For Kimi Antonelli, Friday’s practice session at Monza did not go as usual. The reason for this is a penalty that sees him demoted to the back of the grid, which the local hero has to accept because he is racing with a new power unit that exceeds the permitted allocation. Instead of concentrating on setting fast lap times as usual, the 20-year-old focused on preparing for the race.

Energy management was also a key focus. In the second practice session, he spent quite some time following Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing car, learning a great deal in the process, as he reported afterwards. “On this circuit, you’re spoilt for choice – there are so many different things you can do. And that’s why it was interesting to drive behind other cars during the long run.”

“Because that way you can see what they’re doing differently from you – for example, when they’re using their energy. That was very interesting. And I was able to gather a lot of data there that we can analyse,” added the six-time Grand Prix winner.

Although he himself won’t be in the running for pole position, he expects an exciting qualifying session. Because he’s certain: “Ferrari have definitely made progress with the new engine; they’re now on a par with us in terms of speed. We also know how good they are through the corners, so it’s certainly going to be a very close battle at the front in qualifying.”

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Monza: Qualifying

FIA Formula One World Championship

05.09.2026 - 15:30