Kimi Antonelli has admitted that Mercedes can no longer claim to have the fastest car in Formula 1 after the Dutch Grand Prix, despite leaving Zandvoort with an even stronger lead in the Drivers’ Championship. The Italian believes McLaren has made a significant performance gain, while Mercedes is now waiting for an upgrade package of its own to bring the W17 back towards the front of the technical pecking order.
Kimi Antonelli nevertheless heads into the next stage of the 2026 season in an increasingly commanding championship position. His advantage now stands at 59 points over Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, a margin that is far from decisive with 11 Grands Prix still to be contested but which underlines how effectively the Italian has maximised the W17’s potential from weekend to weekend. The latest picture can be followed in the Formula 1 driver standings.
Kimi Antonelli says Mercedes is no longer the fastest F1 car
After winning five Grands Prix in succession earlier in the season, Kimi Antonelli has taken victory in only one of the last six races. That statistic, combined with McLaren’s obvious improvement in performance, has convinced the young Bologna-born driver that Mercedes is no longer the outright benchmark on the Formula 1 grid.
“We’re definitely not the fastest car on the grid anymore,” Kimi Antonelli said in the post-race press conference after securing second place at Zandvoort. “We’re probably second or third, at least at this race, and McLaren has made a huge step forward, especially after Hungary, since they introduced that big upgrade package.”
The development race has become a particularly important issue for Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff has already highlighted the difficulties created by the budget cap as the team attempts to continue improving the W17, with Mercedes currently behind schedule with some of its planned upgrades.
Mercedes preparing its response with new W17 upgrade package
Kimi Antonelli, however, is confident that Mercedes can respond. Although the competitive picture has become more difficult, the championship leader believes the team is working intensively to ensure its next package delivers the expected improvement once it reaches the car.
“I have confidence in the team,” Kimi Antonelli added. “The team is working extremely hard on the next package that is coming and just wants to make sure it works well once it is fitted. So it will definitely be more difficult, it will be challenging, but we’re ready to give everything and make the most of every opportunity.”
“And then, hopefully, it will be our turn to bring the package that gives us a bit of an advantage again.”
That response could prove crucial as Kimi Antonelli attempts to convert his sizeable championship advantage into the 2026 Formula 1 title. His growing role at Mercedes has already placed him in a position where managing a championship campaign requires more than outright speed, particularly as the balance of performance between the leading teams continues to evolve.
McLaren and Ferrari will already be hoping that Mercedes’ next package does not deliver the advantage Kimi Antonelli is looking for.
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