League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Kimi Antonelli maintains lead as father downplays Mercedes hype

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:30 AM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Kimi Antonelli maintains lead as father downplays Mercedes hype

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Kimi Antonelli wins at Monaco, his fifth win this season.
•He leads the Drivers’ Championship by 66 points.
•Marco Antonelli cites Verstappen as a higher benchmark.
•Verstappen is currently seventh in the standings.
•Marco warns against the volatility of F1 narratives.

Latest Updates

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

What they're saying

"
It is incredibly easy to get swept away in the Kimi Antonelli hysteria right now. The 19-year-old Italian is orchestrating one of the most ruthless sophomore seasons in Formula 1 history, rattling off five consecutive victories in his Mercedes W17.…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Red Bull Racing Mercedes F1 Motorsports