Why Mercedes’ W17 was the perfect weapon for historic Kimi Antonelli F1 title triumph

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' world championship in Mexico City, becoming the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari 73 years earlier. Paolo Filisetti explains that the Mercedes W17 served as the ideal weapon for Antonelli, driven by the team's unusual choice to begin the season with a mature car concept centered around its benchmark power unit.

Filisetti highlights that the W17 required an unconventional driving style to properly extract electrical energy and manage aerodynamic balance. Working closely with race engineer Peter Bonnington, Antonelli adapted effectively to these demands and outperformed teammate George Russell, consistently turning the finely balanced package into race-winning speed.