Antonelli gives honest verdict on outstanding season so far: 'I didn't expect this'

The young Italian has impressed so far in the 2026 Formula 1 season. After finishing second behind George Russell in Australia, he won five Grands Prix in a row.

Car issues hampered Antonelli at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Silverstone, but he bounced back by winning at Spa-Francorchamps before securing another podium finish at the Hungaroring.

As a result, he holds a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton and a 59-point advantage over Russell at the halfway point of the season.

Looking back at the season so far, Antonelli said: "Well, for sure, I did not expect to find myself in this position. But, you know, the car has been extremely good, the team has done an incredible job and, on my side, I try to maximize every opportunity I have."

The Mercedes driver added: "Of course, there’s still lots of work to do, lots to learn, but it was a good first half of the season. Now I’m looking forward to the second half and we’re just going to keep pushing."

Despite his lead in the standings, former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger is not ready to back Antonelli over Russell in the title fight, pointing to last season as proof that the championship can quickly swing after Oscar Piastri appeared to be the clear favorite midway through the year.

He said to F1.com: "I don’t think it’s the right way to put money on it (who becomes world champion). One is the risky, young, hot blood, the other is already much more experienced and will play the ball back into Antonelli’s field. Last year, in the beginning, it looked like Oscar Piastri was going to beat Lando Norris, and Norris turned the page around and won the championship. That’s all open in F1. It will be open until the end."