Kimi Antonelli maintains lead as father downplays Mercedes hype

Kimi Antonelli achieved his fifth consecutive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, 2026. The 19-year-old Italian now holds a substantial 66-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship, outpacing his veteran teammate George Russell. However, his father, Marco Antonelli, emphasizes the importance of keeping expectations realistic, highlighting Max Verstappen as the true benchmark. Despite the significant lead in points, Marco insists Kimi still has much to learn and should not be compared directly to the four-time champion Verstappen, who currently sits seventh due to mechanical issues with Red Bull. Marco advises caution amid media hype, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 dynamics.

• 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Why Kimi Antonelli’s Father Refuses To Buy Into the Mercedes Hype