Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have praised Kimi Antonelli following the Mercedes driver’s podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting the consistency, speed and maturity that have made the 19-year-old one of the leading performers of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
After beginning the year under considerable scrutiny, Kimi Antonelli has dismissed suggestions that his early promise was misleading. While Mercedes team-mate George Russell has struggled with a series of problems, the Italian rookie has continued to deliver at a remarkably high level and strengthen his reputation across the Formula 1 paddock.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris praise Kimi Antonelli’s consistency
Following a starring role during the first half of the season, Kimi Antonelli has now received major recognition from Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the winners of the past five Formula 1 world championships.
According to the drivers who compete against him every weekend, consistency has been one of Kimi Antonelli’s defining qualities. The Mercedes youngster has maintained a high level across every session and has repeatedly extracted the full potential of his car.
Lando Norris, himself regarded as one of the grid’s most dependable performers, particularly values that ability to deliver consistently. Max Verstappen’s comments were equally complimentary, although his assessment also appeared to contain a familiar dig at George Russell.
Lando Norris credits Kimi Antonelli for his 2026 championship
“Kimi is the only driver who is always near the top in every session. He has done an incredible job, and he deserves congratulations and credit for the championship,” the world champion said.
Kimi Antonelli reinforced that reputation at the Hungaroring by finishing third behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. The result placed him on the podium once again, while George Russell finished seventh and Lewis Hamilton came home fifth for Ferrari in the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix classification.
Max Verstappen calls Antonelli Mercedes’ strongest driver
Max Verstappen was even more direct in his assessment of the young Italian, describing Kimi Antonelli as the strongest driver within the Mercedes team.
“I think Kimi has done a very good job. He is the strongest in the team. For a 19-year-old, so far, I think he has been extremely solid. It has been really impressive from the outside,” Max Verstappen added.
The comment represents significant praise for a driver contesting his first full Formula 1 season, but it also places further pressure on George Russell. Kimi Antonelli’s performances have regularly contrasted with the difficulties experienced by his more established team-mate.
Kimi Antonelli leads Lewis Hamilton by 50 points
The overall verdict on the driver born in 2006 is therefore extremely positive. Although Kimi Antonelli has been affected by several unfortunate incidents during the season, he has demonstrated consistency, outright speed and a level of maturity well beyond his 19 years.
His third place in Hungary left him leading the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings with 219 points, 50 ahead of Lewis Hamilton. George Russell sits a further nine points behind the Ferrari driver.
Should Kimi Antonelli maintain his current level after the summer break, his advantage over Lewis Hamilton could grow further. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen may also indirectly help the Mercedes driver by taking points away from the seven-time world champion during the remaining races.
Lewis Hamilton nevertheless remains firmly involved in Ferrari’s championship challenge, despite several costly moments during the opening half of the campaign. The Briton’s deficit illustrates the importance of every result as the title fight enters its decisive phase.
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