Formula 1 Mercedes launch
Kimi Antonelli: Racing will be like “speed chess” in F1 2026
F1’s new machinery will add a tactical layer to racing
Ben Vinel Filip Cleeren
Published: Feb 3, 2026, 1:24 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes W17
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli has likened upcoming Formula 1 racing to “speed chess” based on the world championship’s new technical regulations.
Entering a new era, F1 has discarded the DRS and introduced new tools such as active aerodynamics (mobile front and rear wings) and Overtake Mode (a power boost that will be used just like DRS was).
More interestingly, the new machinery also features Boost Mode, an energy deployment tool that can be used anywhere to attack or defend, while drivers will need to optimise energy harvesting as electric power takes greater prominence, which could lead to intriguing gambits.
“With all this energy management, also the way you race, the way you have to use your energy while fighting with others, that is a very big step,” Antonelli said.
“This year you have to come into the season very open-minded, and in some way you need to be very creative as well, because you can play so much with the energy, especially when fighting other people. When, you know, it's like playing chess, but like kind of a speed chess.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
“Obviously you don't have as much time to think for every move, but this year you always have to try and be two steps ahead of the others, especially when fighting. When you're planning an overtake or when you're defending, you always have to try and be two steps ahead of the other and try to predict him or force him to do something.
“So there's a lot to play. And that's why I think this season you have to be really open-minded – and as I said before, even creative at times.”
The new machinery represents a steep learning curve across the board, but Antonelli believes younger drivers may have an advantage despite their lack of F1 experience.
Read Also:
“Definitely for all the rookies that joined F1 last year, coming into this year with a new car is kind of good, because obviously we've been used to drive a different car every year,” the 19-year-old Italian pointed out. “So we've been used to try and adapt as quickly as possible to a new car.
“So of course, on that side, it's good that we have a new car this year, because it's a reset for everyone. Maybe it will help us out to understand the car a bit quicker than others. But of course, the other drivers are not stupid and they're pretty good, so I think they will figure it out very quickly as well.”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Williams lands major deal with British bank as Santander drops off team partner list
Next article Max Verstappen rules out F1 management role after retirement as he opens up on future
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Ben Vinel
Max Verstappen explains why he’s so good in the rain in Brazil
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
9 h
Max Verstappen explains why he’s so good in the rain in Brazil
‘Kimi Antonelli isn’t Ayrton Senna yet, but he may be a Senninha’ – Toto Wolff
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
‘Kimi Antonelli isn’t Ayrton Senna yet, but he may be a Senninha’ – Toto Wolff
More from
Mercedes
Mercedes explains "unusual" car behaviour behind Kimi Antonelli's costly Interlagos spin
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
6 h
Mercedes explains "unusual" car behaviour behind Kimi Antonelli's costly Interlagos spin
F1 2026 calendar update: Imola GP off the table, no plan B if war escalates
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
F1 2026 calendar update: Imola GP off the table, no plan B if war escalates
Latest news
Frankie Muniz transported to hospital after Daytona practice crash
General
Misc General 1 h
Frankie Muniz transported to hospital after Daytona practice crash
Ford unveils new Mustang body for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 1 h
Ford unveils new Mustang body for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
IndyCar 2026 season review: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 4 h
IndyCar 2026 season review: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Kyle Larson admits he didn't think Cup title was possible in NASCAR champion's speech
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 5 h
Kyle Larson admits he didn't think Cup title was possible in NASCAR champion's speech
Feature
Discover prime content
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Formula 1
By Kevin Turner
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe