Kimi Antonelli Is on Schumacher’s Level, Says Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg has not spared praise towards Kimi Antonelli. The 2016 world champion considers that the Italian Mercedes driver is signing an exceptional season and that his more than probable world title is "fully deserved". Antonelli leads the championship with a 102-point advantage over his teammate George Russell and could be proclaimed champion at the next race in Austin. A scenario that according to Rosberg no one would have anticipated before the start of the season.

"After last year, in which he had many difficulties, no one would have thought he would drive so brilliantly" Rosberg declared in an interview, the German recalled that in his debut season in 2025, Antonelli finished clearly behind Russell with 150 points compared to the Briton's 319, however this year the story is completely different: "He is a phenomenon, he is world-class and he even drives at Michael Schumacher's level. He is the only one who is constantly ahead" Rosberg stated, surprised by the Italian's progression.

For many experts, Russell was the big title favorite before the season began but Antonelli has made an impressive leap in quality, demonstrating a maturity and a speed that have placed him at the front of the championship. Rosberg who knows what it is to win a world title, acknowledges that Antonelli's merit is indisputable: "He is simply the strongest driver at Mercedes" he noted.

Despite his praise Rosberg wanted to make clear that in his opinion Antonelli is still not the absolute best driver on the grid: "Max Verstappen is still the best driver in the sport, as soon as he has a car that more or less gives him the possibility to win and dominate, then he also does it" he stated. The Dutchman who has won the last two races in Malaysia and Singapore, is for Rosberg "the big favorite" for the last events of the year; however his disadvantage in the championship is too big. With 119 points of difference with respect to Antonelli and a maximum of 150 still to be distributed, Verstappen only conserves theoretical options to the title.

Rosberg also highlighted Antonelli's ability to remain constant throughout the season: "He is the only one who is constantly ahead" he insisted. The Italian has demonstrated a regularity that has been key to building his advantage in the championship, his ability to avoid mistakes and maximize the W17's performance in every race have made him a fearsome rival for his opponents.

Antonelli faces the last races of the season with the possibility of becoming the youngest champion in the history of Formula 1, his talent, maturity and his ability to work have taken him to the top in barely his second season in the category.

Rosberg, who was a direct witness of Michael Schumacher's golden era, knows how difficult it is to reach that level so his comparison is not an exaggeration, but a recognition of a season that can go down in history of a guy who knows what it is to win and compete with the best. Time will tell if Antonelli confirms his title and if his name is placed alongside that of the great champions of Formula 1.