Antonelli shrugs off Russell's mind games and names Ferrari favourite for Monaco Grand Prix

The championship state of play

Kimi Antonelli arrives in Monte Carlo with a 43-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell after winning four consecutive races, an unprecedented streak that includes his maiden F1 victory. Russell took the season opener in Melbourne but has since been hit by a battery failure while leading in Canada and two qualifying technical problems in China. The British driver insists he feels no pressure, stating the title is Antonelli's to lose. Antonelli countered that he cannot lose something he has not yet achieved.

When I read it I smiled, talking about these things so early makes no sense. And how can you lose something you haven't won yet? I go on track to win every race, there will be occasions when I have to settle, but the truth is I have nothing to lose.

Mercedes team orders and the Canada fallout

After the pair clashed in the sprint race and fought for the lead in the main race in Montreal, team principal Toto Wolff warned he might have to intervene if team points are at stake. Antonelli confirmed a meeting took place to review the incidents, with the conclusion that they can race each other fairly as long as there is respect and no risk of damaging both cars. Russell insisted the team trusts them and that he knows the boundaries.

I know when you are sat on the sidelines in the pit wall like Toto of course it's stressful and tense because you can't control it but ultimately we have to be trusted and we are trusted. We'll keep fighting but we know the boundaries.

Ferrari tipped as Monaco favourites

Antonelli pointed to Ferrari's historical strength on the tight, bumpy Monaco circuit, noting their car handles the asphalt irregularities well and excels under braking. He revealed Mercedes has brought new front and rear wings to counter the expected threat. Charles Leclerc, who won here in 2024, agreed Monaco is the track where Ferrari can challenge, though he acknowledged Mercedes' significant power unit advantage across the season.

I mean, if there's one track I will bet on on us, it's probably Monaco.

Leclerc's Ferrari commitment

Ahead of his home race, Leclerc revealed he turned down offers from rival teams before signing a multi-year extension with Ferrari. The Monegasque driver, now in his eighth F1 season, said winning a title in red would carry a unique meaning and that assurances about the team's future competitiveness were part of the discussions. He did not name the rival suitors.

Winning in red for me has got a very unique feeling, and something that I've dedicated all the years. We didn't manage to achieve that yet, at least in a full season.

Antonelli on MotoGP and mindset

Antonelli took time to watch compatriot Marco Bezzecchi win the MotoGP race at Mugello last weekend and said he would never swap four wheels for two, calling MotoGP riders 'nuts' for racing at 370kph with no protection. He described their willingness to crash, run back to the garage, and go even quicker on a second bike as evidence they are 'missing something in the head'. The Italian also revealed he has been playing tennis and wants to organise a match with Jannik Sinner, while dedicating extra time to physical preparation for the intense mid-season phase.