Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship after back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, becoming the youngest driver to do so. Mercedes teammate George Russell trails by nine points despite earlier successes. Analysts like Karun Chandhok believe Antonelli can contend for the title, while urging Russell to stay calm ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian driver for Mercedes, has taken a historic lead in the standings following victories in China and Japan. This marks him as the youngest ever to lead the championship. His teammate, 28-year-old Briton George Russell, started strongly with wins in the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese sprint but faced qualifying issues in China and an untimely safety car in Japan that aided Antonelli's recovery there. Russell now sits nine points behind after three rounds. Antonelli showed dominant pace in Japan, being the fastest throughout practice and the race despite a poor start. Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok stated on the Sky Sports F1 Show, 'He can [win the championship]. ... based on that form, he is absolutely in a position to win the championship.' Chandhok noted Antonelli's edge of two to three tenths per lap over Russell. Sky Sports commentator David Croft agreed Antonelli is capable but cautioned against pressure, saying, 'Stop putting Kimi Antonelli under pressure. Yes, he's good enough, but we don't want to talk about it yet.' Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe advised Russell on the F1 Nation Podcast not to panic over the deficit. 'A nine-point gap in [round four], I don't think should stress anybody out,' Hinchcliffe said, citing last year's larger gaps that closed later. He emphasized staying calm, as Antonelli's wins had 'little asterisks' due to circumstances.
