Kimi Antonelli is hoping for a "dream" scenario where Mercedes can repeat their development success of 2014 for the 2026 season.

Sweeping changes to the regulations will come into effect next campaign, marking the end of the ground-effect cars as new engines and active aerodynamics come to the fore.

After a similar change in regulations came in for the 2014 season, Mercedes dominated the field thanks to some fantastic development work, winning six drivers' titles and seven constructors' titles from 2014-2021.

A much more competitve grid lays out in front of the German team, but there is still hope from Antonelli that a repeat of 12 years ago could occur.

Kimi Antonelli on the podium in Brazil after a season-best P2 finish - Photo: Race Pictures

"Hopefully, it will be like 2014. That would be the dream!" the Italian said to GPblog and others in Abu Dhabi.

"But you never know. I think these are even bigger regulation changes than 2014 because, on the chassis side, aerodynamic side, everything is changing. But I have full trust in Mercedes in the work they've been doing.

"I've been spending quite a lot of time at the factory, seeing the progress in the wind tunnel, seeing the progress on the dyno. It looks promising, but we don't know what the others are doing."

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The favourite tag that Mercedes has been branded with before the 2026 season gets underway was posed to team principal and CEO Toto Wolff. However, the Austrian kept his cards close to his chest and revealed very little.

A similar outlook was shared by Antonelli, knowing that the testing weeks before the Australian Grand Prix will be more vital than ever.

"I think the most important thing when we go for a first test in Barcelona is having a reliable car, being able to put in the laps. That makes the most learning," continued the 19-year-old.

"Then, about the real performance, I guess we'll see. Of course, looking at what they did in the past, I would love it. It would be a dream to get the same scenario and be able to fight for a world championship."

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