Kimi Antonelli on track to become Mercedes' number one driver
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 11:16 AM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
Kimi Antonelli is positioned to become the number one driver at Mercedes following a dominant 2026 season. With a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell, the 20-year-old is close to clinching the Formula 1 title, with his next opportunity occurring at the upcoming race in Austin. Antonelli's performance this season has seen him stand out as a top contender, leading six rounds before the season concludes. His trajectory could significantly reshape team dynamics as the season progresses.
- •Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with a 102-point margin.
- •George Russell trails behind as the second driver at Mercedes.
- •The Formula 1 season has six rounds remaining.
- •Antonelli can secure the title in Austin next week.
- 11:16 AMMotorsport.com — Christian Horner: Kimi Antonelli has 'earned' the right to be Mercedes' number one
- 11:16 AMYahoo Sports — Christian Horner: Kimi Antonelli has 'earned' the right to be Mercedes' number one
"Christian Horner reckons the soon-to-be Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has ‘earned’ his right to become the outright number-one driver at Mercedes after a dominant 2026. The 20-year-old holds a 102-point lead over team-mate George Russell in second with six rounds remaining this season, so he can clinch the title in Austin next time out. Antonelli has achieved this in only his ...Keep reading
"Kimi Antonelli is on course to become F1's youngest world champion and earn the right for Mercedes to pick him as its number-one driver over George Russell
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comOct 20, 2026, 11:16 AMChristian Horner: Kimi Antonelli has 'earned' the right to be Mercedes' number one
Christian Horner reckons the soon-to-be Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has ‘earned’ his right to become the outright number-one driver at Mercedes after a dominant 2026. The 20-year-old holds a 102-point lead over team-mate George Russell in second with six rounds remaining this season, so he can clinch the title in Austin next time out. Antonelli has achieved this in only his ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 20, 2026, 11:16 AMChristian Horner: Kimi Antonelli has 'earned' the right to be Mercedes' number one
Kimi Antonelli is on course to become F1's youngest world champion and earn the right for Mercedes to pick him as its number-one driver over George Russell
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