Kimi Antonelli has been a Formula 1 world champion for less than two weeks, and he has no interest in coasting to the end of the year.

At a press conference in San Marino on Thursday, the Mercedes driver said his title win in Mexico had only sharpened his ambition heading into the final three rounds of the season and a title defence in 2027.

“Despite the win, I’m perhaps even more hungry than before. Winning is a wonderful feeling and one of the best things that can happen to you,” he told LaPresse, adding that “it’s only the beginning”.

Antonelli described what remains of 2026 as preparation for next season, with the aim of adding more race wins before the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi and carrying that momentum into 2027. He said the Mercedes had been quick this year and he trusted the team to deliver a competitive package for the new season.

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Verstappen flagged as the biggest 2027 threat

Asked which rival will be hardest to beat when the grid resets, Antonelli did not hesitate.

“If I had to pick one driver who will pose the biggest challenge, it would be Max Verstappen,” he told Ansa.

Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix from Lewis Hamilton while Antonelli came home third to secure the title.

Youngest ever by more than three years

Antonelli clinched the championship on 1 November with four rounds still to run, according to Formula 1.

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At 20 years and 68 days he became the youngest world champion in the sport’s history, beating Sebastian Vettel’s 2010 record by more than three years. Vettel was 23 years and 134 days when he took his first title with Red Bull.

Three races remain in 2026, starting with Las Vegas before Qatar and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

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