Schumacher calls Antonelli Mercedes' clear number one
Ralf Schumacher has stated that Kimi Antonelli has positioned himself as the leading driver for Mercedes in the current championship, holding a significant points lead over teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli's consistency, with ten podium finishes out of twelve races, has contributed to this perception, despite Mercedes not officially naming a number one driver.
As the season progresses, Antonelli's recent engine change will see him start from the back at Monza, presenting Russell with an opportunity to close the points gap. Schumacher suggests that Russell should concentrate on racing rather than the internal team dynamics, although he acknowledges that the situation may evolve as the season continues.
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell identifies F1’s team to beat for remainder of 2026George Russell has highlighted McLaren as the team to watch for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season, following their recent successes. After a slow start, McLaren, led by reigning champion Lando Norris, has secured two consecutive victories, prompting Russell to acknowledge their newfound pace and competitiveness, especially on high-degradation circuits where they excel.
As the teams prepare for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Russell anticipates that Mercedes will perform better but remains cautious about Ferrari's upcoming engine upgrades. Despite this, he firmly believes that McLaren currently holds the edge in the championship race.
Thu 27 Aug · 12:36 UTC
via grandprix.com
