The former world champion has thrown his support behind Antonelli’s title credentials, arguing the Mercedes driver possesses the mindset needed to cope with the demands of a championship battle.
Raikkonen made the assessment during a rare interview with Italian publication Quotidiano Nazionale, pointing to the maturity Antonelli has displayed throughout his breakout campaign.
“Antonelli won’t lose focus; he’s showing maturity,” Raikkonen said.
“He’ll have to avoid imitating Piastri in 2025. At one point, the Australian McLaren driver seemed to have the title in his pocket, but he couldn’t handle the pressure.
“The Italian won’t fall into the same trap.”
The comments come with Antonelli sitting atop the standings after establishing himself as one of F1’s standout performers in 2026.
Raikkonen believes the Italian’s approach behind the scenes is a key reason why he is capable of sustaining a championship challenge across the remainder of the season.
“Yes, and he believes in it. You can see it in the way he approaches the races, in the spirit he puts into it,” he added.
The Finn also suggested Antonelli’s recent results are not possible without possessing exceptional ability, highlighting the teenager’s run of four straight victories.
“Obviously, in Formula 1, you don’t win four consecutive Grands Prix unless you have special talent,” Raikkonen said.
“Antonelli’s numbers are a feat. Having the right car is crucial, but it’s always been that way, throughout history.”
Although Raikkonen has rarely spoken publicly since ending his Formula 1 career in 2021, he admitted he has followed Antonelli’s rise with particular interest.
“Naturally, I follow Antonelli’s exploits with great sympathy,” he explained.
“I’m amused that he shares my name, even though I think it’s just a coincidence. He’s certainly very talented.”
While Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ championship, Raikkonen believes Max Verstappen remains the benchmark driver in F1 when car performance is taken out of the equation.
Asked who he considered the strongest driver on the grid, the 2007 world champion needed little time to answer.
“Verstappen,” he said.
“I saw him arrive in F1 during my second stint at Ferrari. Max is a phenomenon.
“He won his first race in Spain right in front of me, ten years ago. That’s when I realised a star was born.”
Raikkonen finished second to Verstappen in that memorable 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, the race that marked the Dutchman’s first appearance for Red Bull after his promotion from Toro Rosso.
The interview also saw Raikkonen reflect on Ferrari’s continued search for another drivers’ champion, a distinction he still holds nearly 19 years after securing the Scuderia’s most recent title.
“When I left the Scuderia at the end of 2018, I hoped the team would quickly find a successor to me in the championship’s roll of honour,” he said.
“It hasn’t happened yet, but from afar I see encouraging signs.”
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