Shocking Warning: Kubica Calls Out Antonelli on Social Media—What Leclerc's Step Back Means for F1!

APRIL 14, 2026

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing, where every second counts and the pressure to perform is immense, former F1 driver Robert Kubica has some pointed advice for championship leader Kimi Antonelli. After securing back-to-back wins from pole position, the 19-year-old driver is currently at the top of the standings. However, Kubica believes that Antonelli's focus has been somewhat diluted by his presence on social media.

Speaking to SportMediaset, Kubica advised Antonelli to “cut back on social media” and concentrate fully on his title bid. “I hope he concentrates fully on racing,” Kubica stated, adding that he has noticed Antonelli engaging in “too much nonsense on Instagram.” While Kubica acknowledged that social media can attract attention, he emphasized that Antonelli shouldn’t “waste energy” on it at this critical juncture in his career. “His only focus must be on winning the championship,” he asserted.

Despite his cautionary tone, Kubica remains optimistic about Antonelli’s potential to clinch the championship. “I don't see why he couldn't,” he remarked. The immense pressure within Formula 1 is something Antonelli is familiar with, particularly after facing challenges last season. “He has dealt with a lot of that in the past,” Kubica noted, underscoring that Antonelli is surrounded by people who believe in his talent and commitment. “They care about him and have invested a lot of time and money in him, and recognize his exceptional talent. Now he is repaying that trust,” he added.

This advice from Kubica contrasts sharply with the approach taken by Antonelli’s fellow competitor, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Leclerc recently revealed on the BSMT podcast that he has effectively stepped away from social media altogether. “For many years, I was online a lot in general, but I realized that it changed the perception of certain performances I had in races,” Leclerc explained. He went on to describe how one moment—whether good or bad—could overshadow everything else, prompting him to rethink his social media strategy.

“Yes, that made me change my approach to social media a bit,” Leclerc continued. He now takes greater control over his online presence, stating, “I obviously choose all the photos, all the captions, because the important thing for me is that social media must always be something genuine.” However, the overwhelming nature of social media commentary ultimately led him to step back. “I preferred to leave it aside. So, I don't go on social media anymore,” he concluded.

As the championship heats up, the divergent views on social media reflect a broader debate within the sport about managing personal brand and performance pressure. For young athletes like Antonelli, navigating the balance between fan engagement and maintaining focus can be challenging. With Kubica’s advice ringing in his ears, the question remains whether Antonelli will heed the call to prioritize his racing ambitions over social media distractions.

As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on Antonelli to see if he can channel his energy effectively and secure the championship, proving that while talent is crucial, focus and discipline are equally essential in the world of Formula 1.