Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have both spotlighted Kimi Antonelli as the standout driver of the 2026 Formula 1 season thus far. Currently leading the championship after 11 races, Antonelli has secured six wins and nine podiums with Mercedes, reinforcing his dominance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he climbed from a grid penalty to finish third.
The assessment emerged during the post-race press conference following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris and Verstappen discussed Antonelli’s notable performance relative to his peers and the capabilities of their respective teams. This context is important as it situates Antonelli firmly within the current championship framework, as reported by RacingNews365.
Norris Reflects on Antonelli’s Performance
During the post-race interaction, Norris was initially hesitant to highlight a single driver but ultimately acknowledged Antonelli’s excellence. He stated, “I feel like you can’t really compare in these things… you have to say Kimi, as a complete package.” Norris emphasised Antonelli’s consistent performances, where he has outshone his teammate week in and week out, underscoring the importance of skill within a competitive car.
Verstappen Acknowledges Antonelli’s Talent
Max Verstappen also concurred with Norris’s evaluation, praising Antonelli’s ability to deliver impressive results under pressure. He remarked, “Kimi has done a really good job… being the strongest in the team.” Verstappen highlighted the contrast of his own challenges with Red Bull’s package, which has not consistently matched the prowess of Mercedes and McLaren. He credited Antonelli’s solid performances, noting his youth while also lamenting the luck that has sometimes eluded him.
Antonelli’s Humble Assessment
Despite the accolades, the 19-year-old Antonelli maintained a humble stance, stating, “I feel like I’ve done a good first half… but there’s still a long way before I reach their level.” His acknowledgment of the variable performance of different teams reflects a deep understanding of the sport’s complexities and underscores the work still to be accomplished.
The SportiveNews view
Antonelli’s ascent to the top of the championship standings, backed by consistent podium finishes, signals a promising trajectory for Mercedes in the ongoing season. However, as both Norris and Verstappen noted, the ultimate measure of success will depend on sustained performance and the reliability of the car, making the next races critical in shaping the championship landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How has Kimi Antonelli performed during the season?
Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship after 11 rounds, having achieved six victories and nine podiums with Mercedes, highlighting his exceptional talent this season.
What did Lando Norris say about Antonelli’s performance?
Lando Norris acknowledged Antonelli’s skills, emphasizing his ability to consistently outperform his teammate and suggesting that Antonelli, given the right circumstances, deserves credit in discussions about championship contenders.
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