Antonelli Aims to Keep Improving Amid Title Battle with Russell

Kimi Antonelli, riding high on a winning streak of four consecutive Grands Prix, isn't resting on his laurels even with a comfortable 43-point lead over his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, in the championship standings. After capitalizing on Russell's technical woes at the Canadian Grand Prix, Antonelli has created a gap larger than any seen between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in last year’s title race.

Despite the lead, Antonelli remains cautious as the F1 circus heads into a busy European stretch. "I'm not really thinking about the championship," Antonelli stated. "It's still early days, and having a gap doesn't mean I can take it easy. It's about continual improvement." He acknowledges the competition closing in, with Russell being particularly quick on track.

Reflecting on his on-track battles with Russell, Antonelli noted, "It was a tough fight, maybe a bit on the edge at times, but exciting for everyone watching." Their weekend duel included a close Sprint race, highlighting the intense rivalry within the team.

While Mercedes remains unbeaten in 2026, thanks in part to a hefty upgrade package in Montreal, Antonelli remains circumspect. "Honestly, we're not entirely sure about the package yet," he admitted, citing tricky tyre conditions during the race weekend. "We’ll have a clearer picture in the upcoming races." Whether the upgrades will continue to deliver is something only time and a few more chequered flags will reveal.