Leclerc warns Antonelli: “Next year will be tough!”

Charles Leclerc, the 29-year-old Monegasque driver for Ferrari, has congratulated Mercedes’ 20-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli on winning the 2026 Formula 1 world championship.

TodayPress TV reports that Leclerc shared the message on his account on the social media platform X.

Leclerc praised the young driver’s performance throughout the season.

“What an incredible year, Kimi! You were flawless from the beginning to the end of the season. You deserved it, and we are very happy for you.

“Next year, though, we’ll try to make the season a little more difficult for you,” Leclerc said.

It should be noted that Antonelli secured the world championship with several rounds of the season still remaining, following the results of the Mexico City Grand Prix. He finished the race in third place.

Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen won the Mexico City Grand Prix, while Ferrari’s seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line in second place.