Antonelli’s biggest title threat named as Russell brutally dismissed
Antonelli shouldn't be too concerned with Russell (Photo: Race Pictures)
13:10, 19 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Kimi Antonelli’s biggest title threat sits fourth in the drivers’championship, according to Ralf Schumacher.
The Italian has won back-to-back races in Italy and Spain to move a massive 81 points ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Russell has only been on the podium twice in the last five Grands Prix, further boosting Antonelli’s title challenge.
However, at the same time, reigning world champion Lando Norris has returned to winning ways, and doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.
The McLaren driver similarly won back-to-back in the Netherlands and Hungary and should’ve taken a third win of the season last time out in Spain, until a virtual safety car swung things in Antonelli's favour.
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Yet for six-time race winner Schumacher, that shouldn’t distract from Norris now being Antonelli’s biggest threat.
Schumacher dismisses Russell as Antonelli’s main challenger
"George Russell has now met his match; Kimi Antonelli is better,” he explained on Sky Germany’s F1 podcast.
“I don't think that will change; he’s simply not flexible enough mentally to implement the right things."
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"And I think that frustrates George a bit, because he just can't find a way forward at the moment.”
Schumacher sees transformation from Norris
Turning to Norris, he continued: “It’s an interesting transformation. Lando has gained incredible strength, not just on the racetrack.
"I almost have the feeling that Norris has had coaching, because he now keeps vehemently saying that he should earn the same as Max Verstappen, as Lewis Hamilton, 'because I'm just as good or better.' So he's demanding that now; he's demanding to be recognised in his position.
“He had a speed that would have been unbeatable that weekend. Only the virtual safety car slowed the 26-year-old down."
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Schumacher is hugely impressed by Norris' 2026 improvements (Photo: Race Pictures)
In fact, Schumacher even goes so far as to claim that McLaren are currently faster than Mercedes.
He added: "I think the McLaren is better. But the Mercedes will catch up.
"I'd say under normal circumstances, nobody has a chance anymore, but if anyone does manage to overtake Antonelli, it will be Norris.”
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