Andrea Kimi Antonelli has won the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship in only his second season, ending Italy’s 73-year wait for another drivers’ title. Yet Spanish journalist Carlos Miquel has challenged the excitement surrounding the Mercedes star’s historic achievement, arguing that Isack Hadjar is a better driver. The controversial assessment comes as much of the Formula 1 paddock celebrates the Italian’s success and comparisons emerge between the new world champion and some of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.
While Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s historic championship triumph has generated enormous enthusiasm, Carlos Miquel believes the Mercedes driver’s results do not necessarily make him the most talented young driver on the grid. Instead, the Spanish journalist has singled out Isack Hadjar, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Carlos Miquel claims Isack Hadjar is better than F1 champion Kimi Antonelli
Speaking on Roldán Rodríguez’s Cortito y al Pie podcast, Carlos Miquel delivered an assessment that is likely to divide Formula 1 fans. Despite Andrea Kimi Antonelli securing the world championship, the Spanish journalist insisted that Isack Hadjar possesses greater ability than the Mercedes driver.
“For me, Kimi Antonelli is not the best young driver on the grid. Isack Hadjar is. Russell beat him in Brazil. Antonelli is not as complete a driver as his results suggest,” Carlos Miquel declared.
The comparison is particularly striking given the contrasting achievements of the two drivers. Although Isack Hadjar has produced an excellent season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the Frenchman has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently challenge for a Formula 1 world championship.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, has already reached the sport’s highest level, claiming the title in his second season and becoming the first Italian drivers’ world champion in 73 years. His success has also attracted praise from leading figures across the paddock, including Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali.
Mercedes car advantage questioned after Kimi Antonelli’s championship victory
Carlos Miquel’s main criticism concerns the enthusiasm surrounding Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s emergence as a world champion. The Spanish journalist believes some assessments have gone too far, particularly those suggesting that the young Italian has already surpassed established champions such as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
“I read comments saying that Antonelli is better than Verstappen, Hamilton and Alonso,” Carlos Miquel said.
In his view, such comparisons overlook the importance of car performance in modern Formula 1. He argued that the current technical regulations can make it easier for drivers with a significant power advantage to achieve strong results, whereas more demanding circumstances reveal their underlying abilities.
“With these regulations, if you drive at 90% with the engine at maximum power, you get good results. But when you have less power and a twisty circuit, that’s when you see the real drivers,” Carlos Miquel argued.
The journalist pointed specifically to the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, using Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s performance as an example of why he believes the Mercedes driver’s results should be assessed more cautiously.
“In Brazil, Antonelli spun twice and the car had no problems,” he added.
George Russell comparison raises questions over criticism of Kimi Antonelli
However, attributing much of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s world championship success to the competitiveness of his Mercedes risks being just as superficial as the excessive praise Carlos Miquel is attempting to challenge. A dominant car can undoubtedly influence Formula 1 results, but the quality of the driver alongside the champion must also be considered.
After all, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been competing in the same machinery as George Russell, a driver who has won championships throughout his junior career and previously provided formidable opposition to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The competition between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes adds another dimension to the debate. The young Italian has had to prove himself against a highly accomplished teammate rather than simply benefiting from a competitive car without serious internal opposition.
Carlos Miquel’s assessment nevertheless highlights the contrasting opinions that can emerge even after a driver wins the world championship. While the Spanish journalist believes Isack Hadjar has greater potential, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already achieved something that the Red Bull driver has yet to accomplish: winning Formula 1’s ultimate prize.
More news about Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes
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- Lando Norris pays tribute to Kimi Antonelli after losing F1 world championship crown
- Why Kimi Antonelli will not use F1 number 1 in 2027 despite becoming world champion
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