(Motorsport-Total.com) – Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Kimi Antonelli is maturing quickly and feels increasingly comfortable at the front of the field. According to Montoya, this should be a cause for concern for the competition in the paddock.
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Antonelli continued his impressive 2026 season in Canada, celebrating his fourth consecutive Grand Prix victory. With the win and the simultaneous retirement of his teammate George Russell, he extended his lead in the drivers’ standings.
However, it was not just the race result that caught Montoya’s attention, but rather the way Antonelli behaved after the race.
Victory after intense duel with Russell
After several laps of an intense duel between Russell and Antonelli for the lead, the 19-year-old crossed the finish line first and stated over the team radio that this was not the way he wanted to win this race. Because his teammate retired due to a technical defect.
After the Grand Prix, Montoya praised Antonelli’s handling of the enormous pressure he was under: “Yes, it simply shows how quickly he is maturing, how well he is settling into this role, and how comfortable he feels in it.”
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“That is the worrying part for the entire paddock, how comfortable he feels when winning. Because when you feel comfortable winning, it is so hard to stop you,” said Montoya.
Changed mindset compared to Saturday
The moment of victory followed a noticeably more tense sprint race on Saturday, during which Antonelli did not have his frustration fully under control. He repeatedly complained over the radio that Russell had pushed him off the track in another duel. However, team principal Toto Wolff quickly ended the discussion and urged his driver to settle the matter in a private conversation.
Furthermore, Montoya highlights that Antonelli’s behavior and mindset had changed compared to Saturday. “I thought it was great. I think the race between the two was great,” he said about the two Mercedes drivers.
Antonelli’s fourth consecutive win not only increases his lead in the drivers’ standings—he is now 43 points ahead of Russell—but also left a strong impression on Montoya, especially due to Antonelli’s behavior and demeanor under pressure and his handling of the situation after the race ended.
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