Will Mercedes’ decision allow Kimi Antonelli to unlock F1 history in Canada?
Kimi Antonelli has addressed the changes made to his car’s clutch paddle by Mercedes following a string of poor starts in 2026. Despite experiencing difficulties with standing starts, Antonelli managed to secure three consecutive wins in China, Japan, and Miami – a remarkable feat in Formula 1 history. The upcoming race in Canada presents the opportunity for Antonelli to potentially achieve a record-breaking fourth successive win, a milestone that has only been accomplished by a select few drivers.
In preparation for the race weekend, Antonelli revealed that Mercedes has implemented several new adjustments to enhance performance, particularly focusing on improving their starts. The team has introduced a new clutch paddle and made significant software enhancements to optimize their system. Despite stiff competition from rivals like McLaren, Antonelli remains confident in Mercedes’ capabilities and is determined to maintain their winning streak.
While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in the championship race, Antonelli remains committed to taking each race as it comes and staying focused on maintaining their momentum. With strong performances from other teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, the competition continues to intensify, driving Mercedes to push boundaries and strive for ongoing success on the track. The ultimate goal for Antonelli and Mercedes is to secure victory in Canada and further solidify their position as frontrunners in the season.
