Former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell has publicly supported Andrea Kimi Antonelli, stating the Mercedes driver possesses the capability to secure the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. Blundell’s assessment follows Antonelli’s strong start to the current season.
Antonelli currently leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with 219 points after 11 of 23 rounds. He holds a 50-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton, who is second in the Ferrari.
The 19-year-old Italian has secured six victories this season and achieved nine podium finishes in 11 races. This performance marks a significant improvement from 12 months ago, when he reportedly struggled with the Mercedes W16.
Blundell highlighted Antonelli’s maturity and ability to manage Grand Prix weekends. He described Antonelli as a ‘completely different driver’ this year, ready to contend for top honours.
The Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance car, introduced for the 2026 regulations, features a new hybrid power unit with a near 50/50 split between combustion and electric power. The car is also 30 kilograms lighter, 100mm narrower, and has a 200mm shorter wheelbase.
Active aerodynamics, including movable front and rear wings, have replaced the Drag Reduction System (DRS) in the W17. These technical changes appear to suit Antonelli’s driving style.
Antonelli has established several records during the current campaign. He became the youngest pole sitter in F1 history at the Miami sprint race and the youngest driver to lead the World Championship in Japan.
His victory at the Belgian Grand Prix extended his record to leading 10 consecutive races, placing him alongside notable names such as Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes teammate George Russell is currently third in the standings with 160 points, trailing Antonelli by 59 points. Russell’s performance has been described as an ‘unexplainable underperformance’ in the sister W17.
The 2026 season is currently on its summer break, with 12 Grands Prix and two sprint races remaining. A total of 316 points are still available, indicating the championship battle is not yet concluded.
Mercedes has demonstrated strong form this season, securing eight wins and 10 pole positions across the 11 rounds completed.
