Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' standings by 20 points after four races. George Russell, who won the opening round in Australia, has been outperformed by his Mercedes teammate since then. The situation echoes Lando Norris's early struggles before his 2025 title triumph.
After starting the season as pre-race favorites, Mercedes has seen its expected dominance play out through the opening races. Yet Antonelli, in only his second year, holds a commanding lead with three victories while Russell has yet to return to the podium since Australia.
