Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli could surpass the record of seven world championships shared by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver has already claimed his first Formula 1 title at just 20 years old, and Herbert believes his extraordinary natural talent and mental strength could allow him to rewrite the sport’s record books.
Antonelli heads into the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil as the newly crowned world champion, with the opportunity to enjoy his remarkable achievement during the closing stages of the season. The Italian returns to a circuit where he impressed a year earlier, finishing second after resisting what had appeared to be an unstoppable late charge from Max Verstappen.
Johnny Herbert backs Kimi Antonelli to challenge Schumacher and Hamilton’s F1 record
According to Johnny Herbert, the fact that Andrea Kimi Antonelli has secured his maiden world championship at only 20 years old gives him an exceptional opportunity to challenge Formula 1’s greatest records in the years ahead.
The former British F1 driver believes the Mercedes youngster has demonstrated a rare combination of natural driving ability and mental resilience throughout his championship-winning campaign. Speaking to Vision4Sport, a company offering luxury superyacht hospitality packages, Herbert explained why he considers Antonelli’s rise so significant.
“What we’ve seen from Antonelli has been an absolutely extraordinary display of mental strength and pure natural talent that has really come to the fore this year,” Herbert said. “I think what we’re witnessing is something really, really special.”
Antonelli’s rapid emergence has already made him one of the most prominent figures in Formula 1, with his emotional world championship triumph marking an important milestone in his young career.
Could Kimi Antonelli win more than seven Formula 1 world championships?
Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton currently share the record for the most Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championships, having each secured seven titles. Herbert believes Antonelli could eventually go beyond that achievement, particularly given how much time the Italian potentially has ahead of him.
“I think he represents that new generation that could go on to surpass the record of seven world championships held by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton,” Herbert added.
“Antonelli can only improve. He will become stronger and stronger, both in terms of his driving and his mental strength. He’s very humble and friendly with all the other drivers. What he’s achieved is out of this world.”
Herbert’s prediction reflects his belief that Antonelli has considerable scope for further development despite already reaching the pinnacle of Formula 1. The former driver’s assessment also highlights the Italian’s character and relationships with his fellow competitors, qualities he considers particularly impressive alongside his sporting achievements.
Kimi Antonelli returns to Brazil as Formula 1 world champion
With the world championship already secured, Antonelli can approach the Brazilian Grand Prix knowing that his 2026 season has delivered an extraordinary result. His return to Interlagos also brings back memories of his second-place finish the previous year, when he successfully held off Max Verstappen’s late recovery.
The Mercedes driver’s achievement at such a young age has already transformed expectations surrounding his future. His success has also prompted widespread recognition, including Stefano Domenicali’s tribute to his historic championship victory and Italy’s return to the top of Formula 1.
Herbert’s assessment goes even further, suggesting that Antonelli could eventually challenge the benchmark established by two of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. Although surpassing seven world championships remains a distant possibility rather than a certainty, the former British driver clearly believes the Italian possesses the talent and mentality to pursue that ambition.
For now, Antonelli returns to Brazil as a 20-year-old world champion, with Herbert convinced that his driving ability and mental strength will continue to develop as his Formula 1 career progresses.
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