{"id":1896635,"date":"2026-04-22T08:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T05:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896635"},"modified":"2026-04-22T08:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T05:05:00","slug":"the-trenches-test-kimi-antonelli-faces-before-f1-exceptional-judgement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896635","title":{"rendered":"The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Kimi Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Kimi Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Antonelli has made a strong impression in F1 already but is the Mercedes driver &#8220;exceptional&#8221;?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-22T09:05:00+01:00\">22 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Driver turned commentator David Coulthard believes it is too soon to label Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli as &#8220;exceptional&#8221;, but revealed when he believes the time will be right to pass that judgement.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli sits atop the F1 drivers&#8217; standings as the youngest pole sitter and championship leader in the history of the sport. Also the second-youngest race winner, it may seem harsh to deny the Italian teenager the &#8220;exceptional&#8221; tag, but Coulthard explained just why the moment is too soon for such an accolade.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed<\/em> podcast, the former McLaren driver said: \u201cI think he is very, very good. Is he exceptional? I don\u2019t think anyone knows right now, because you need to stay in the trenches, I\u2019m quoting Mark Webber, all year long.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s not just about showing at the beginning of the season when everyone is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Do you have the energy, the resilience, the hunger, the fight, the nous, to be able to work within the team in a way that will grate against your team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You\u2019re not there to sow friends, you\u2019re there to get what you can out of the team. That, for me, is when we will really know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI say this with some confidence, because I didn\u2019t have it, so I know what not having it will get you, and I want to see if he\u2019s got it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that Max [Verstappen] has it, we know Lewis [Hamilton] has got it. We know there are some other drivers that \u2013 Fernando [Alonso] hasn\u2019t had the chance for some time, but he has it, let\u2019s say.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-17bffc8a4fbc037ee0f1baa20f2a69d5baa94b593a9da504759da2a4844e8727\">  \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule   Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Antonelli&#8217;s rookie season last term was a mixed bag, with a strong start and end to the year surrounding an underwhelming European campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Entering 2026 in what was expected to be the best car on the grid, Antonelli has taken his chances, and made the most of some poor luck for team-mate George Russell. But questions about his ability to string a season together are likely to persist until well into the European leg of the season, given his struggles on more familiar ground last term.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Adding her thoughts, pundit Naomi Schiff added: &#8220;I personally do think I\u2019ve seen something special in him. I don\u2019t know if I would go as far as to say yet that he is going to be one of the greats; we don\u2019t know that yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-54135a3752dce4c75dc2de4a10c344d8050f30d791943f014a74a85de69af44a\">  First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks   Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he\u2019s had a couple of spectacular comeback drives, and yes, he\u2019s giving him a hard time, particularly this year, with his bad starts and then he\u2019s coming through with more pace, but I do think that we\u2019re seeing somewhat of a diamond in the rough in that when the opportunity is there and, ironically, when he is under pressure, I do think that he shines. Is that going to be enough? We\u2019re going to have to wait and see.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think that there are some things there that we can say already at this early stage of his career are going to turn into brilliant things down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ferrari busts myth around aggressive development during F1 break<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Sebastian Vettel issues F1 \u201ccritical\u201d warning after regulation tweaks<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pa\/3462632.0064_1.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-0b269112739711f6bc03c38bc4a61b57df3f23b93b83141f87e1d467c9b8d496\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-0c91c5846998faa4e01ae44d4bc7531911c6f2ab1dc96d3dd3f687baa36d8ff0\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff sounds vital F1 warning over proposed tweaks to 2026 rules<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776680220\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wolff has urged F1 not to make knee-jerk reactions\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Surprise safety admission from beneficiary of banned F1 engine trick<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776675107\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m589247_f1_grand_prix_of_japan_practice.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mercedes and Red Bull both used the engine trick \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>FIA president issues statement before crunch F1 2026 rules meeting<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776672334\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1391890_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"F1 is holding a series of key meetings about the 2026 rules\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Has the dynamic between F1\u2019s early title protagonists shifted?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776591000\"> 19\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m590202_f1_grand_prix_of_japan_qualifying.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Things have not gone Russell's way early on in 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776510000\"> 18\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell would understand if Verstappen quit F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Stronger, more in control&#8221;: F1&#8217;s surprise points leader reflects on storming 2026 start<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776434817\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Antonelli has made a strong impression in F1 already but is the Mercedes driver &#8220;exceptional&#8221;?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Driver turned commentator David Coulthard believes it is too soon to label Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli as &#8220;exceptional&#8221;, but revealed when he believes the time will be right to pass that judgement.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli sits atop the F1 drivers&#8217; standings as the youngest pole sitter and championship leader in the history of the sport. Also the second-youngest race winner, it may seem harsh to deny the Italian teenager the &#8220;exceptional&#8221; tag, but Coulthard explained just why the moment is too soon for such an accolade.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed<\/em> podcast, the former McLaren driver said: \u201cI think he is very, very good. Is he exceptional? I don\u2019t think anyone knows right now, because you need to stay in the trenches, I\u2019m quoting Mark Webber, all year long.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s not just about showing at the beginning of the season when everyone is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Do you have the energy, the resilience, the hunger, the fight, the nous, to be able to work within the team in a way that will grate against your team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You\u2019re not there to sow friends, you\u2019re there to get what you can out of the team. That, for me, is when we will really know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI say this with some confidence, because I didn\u2019t have it, so I know what not having it will get you, and I want to see if he\u2019s got it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that Max [Verstappen] has it, we know Lewis [Hamilton] has got it. We know there are some other drivers that \u2013 Fernando [Alonso] hasn\u2019t had the chance for some time, but he has it, let\u2019s say.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-17bffc8a4fbc037ee0f1baa20f2a69d5baa94b593a9da504759da2a4844e8727\">  \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule   Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Antonelli&#8217;s rookie season last term was a mixed bag, with a strong start and end to the year surrounding an underwhelming European campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Entering 2026 in what was expected to be the best car on the grid, Antonelli has taken his chances, and made the most of some poor luck for team-mate George Russell. But questions about his ability to string a season together are likely to persist until well into the European leg of the season, given his struggles on more familiar ground last term.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Adding her thoughts, pundit Naomi Schiff added: &#8220;I personally do think I\u2019ve seen something special in him. I don\u2019t know if I would go as far as to say yet that he is going to be one of the greats; we don\u2019t know that yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-54135a3752dce4c75dc2de4a10c344d8050f30d791943f014a74a85de69af44a\">  First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks   Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he\u2019s had a couple of spectacular comeback drives, and yes, he\u2019s giving him a hard time, particularly this year, with his bad starts and then he\u2019s coming through with more pace, but I do think that we\u2019re seeing somewhat of a diamond in the rough in that when the opportunity is there and, ironically, when he is under pressure, I do think that he shines. Is that going to be enough? We\u2019re going to have to wait and see.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think that there are some things there that we can say already at this early stage of his career are going to turn into brilliant things down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Driver turned commentator David Coulthard believes it is too soon to label Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli as &#8220;exceptional&#8221;, but revealed when he believes the time will be right to pass that judgement.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli sits atop the F1 drivers&#8217; standings as the youngest pole sitter and championship leader in the history of the sport. Also the second-youngest race winner, it may seem harsh to deny the Italian teenager the &#8220;exceptional&#8221; tag, but Coulthard explained just why the moment is too soon for such an accolade.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the <em>Up to Speed<\/em> podcast, the former McLaren driver said: \u201cI think he is very, very good. Is he exceptional? I don\u2019t think anyone knows right now, because you need to stay in the trenches, I\u2019m quoting Mark Webber, all year long.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s not just about showing at the beginning of the season when everyone is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Do you have the energy, the resilience, the hunger, the fight, the nous, to be able to work within the team in a way that will grate against your team-mate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You\u2019re not there to sow friends, you\u2019re there to get what you can out of the team. That, for me, is when we will really know.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI say this with some confidence, because I didn\u2019t have it, so I know what not having it will get you, and I want to see if he\u2019s got it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that Max [Verstappen] has it, we know Lewis [Hamilton] has got it. We know there are some other drivers that \u2013 Fernando [Alonso] hasn\u2019t had the chance for some time, but he has it, let\u2019s say.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-17bffc8a4fbc037ee0f1baa20f2a69d5baa94b593a9da504759da2a4844e8727\">  \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule   Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Antonelli&#8217;s rookie season last term was a mixed bag, with a strong start and end to the year surrounding an underwhelming European campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Entering 2026 in what was expected to be the best car on the grid, Antonelli has taken his chances, and made the most of some poor luck for team-mate George Russell. But questions about his ability to string a season together are likely to persist until well into the European leg of the season, given his struggles on more familiar ground last term.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Adding her thoughts, pundit Naomi Schiff added: &#8220;I personally do think I\u2019ve seen something special in him. I don\u2019t know if I would go as far as to say yet that he is going to be one of the greats; we don\u2019t know that yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-54135a3752dce4c75dc2de4a10c344d8050f30d791943f014a74a85de69af44a\">  First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks   Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he\u2019s had a couple of spectacular comeback drives, and yes, he\u2019s giving him a hard time, particularly this year, with his bad starts and then he\u2019s coming through with more pace, but I do think that we\u2019re seeing somewhat of a diamond in the rough in that when the opportunity is there and, ironically, when he is under pressure, I do think that he shines. Is that going to be enough? We\u2019re going to have to wait and see.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I think that there are some things there that we can say already at this early stage of his career are going to turn into brilliant things down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093270\/1\/trenches-test-kimi-antonelli-faces-f1-exceptional-judgement&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Kimi Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement Antonelli has made a strong impression in F1 already but is the Mercedes driver &#8220;exceptional&#8221;? Sam Hall 22 Apr 2026 Share Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Driver turned commentator David Coulthard believes it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1896635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1896635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}