Kimi Antonelli's Remarkable Start: Best Points Score in a Decade

Kimi Antonelli, at just 19, is already making waves in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Not only has he become the youngest driver to lead the championship, but his performance in the first four races has been nothing short of exceptional. With 100 points under his belt, Antonelli has matched a decade-old record set by another Mercedes driver, Nico Rosberg.

In 2016, Rosberg opened the season with a perfect streak, winning the first four races and amassing 100 points. Antonelli, though achieving one less victory, has earned his points through a combination of wins and strategic finishes. After a second-place finish in Australia, he clinched victories in Japan and Miami, while also securing crucial points in the sprints of China and Miami.

Rosberg's 2016 run came to an abrupt halt with a memorable first-lap incident with Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona, paving the way for Max Verstappen's maiden win. Fast forward ten years, and Antonelli nearly claimed the title of the youngest Grand Prix winner, finishing second in that regard to Verstappen, but he still has a chance to become the youngest World Champion if he maintains his form.

Antonelli's start also mirrors Lewis Hamilton's 2021 season, where Hamilton won three of the first four races and finished second in the other, albeit without the sprint races. Hamilton's total then was six points shy of Antonelli's current tally, due to the absence of sprints.

Looking further back, Hamilton's 2015 and Sebastian Vettel's 2011 seasons also featured strong starts. Both drivers claimed three wins and a second place in the opening rounds, ultimately leading to championship victories. With such illustrious company, Antonelli is in a promising position.

The question remains whether Antonelli can sustain this momentum and follow in the footsteps of these champions. The young Italian's early achievements have certainly put him on the radar as a potential record-breaker in the making.