Antonelli tipped to take F1 title from Russell ‘if he keeps his cool’

Four rounds into F1 2026, Antonelli leads Russell by 20 points at the top of the Drivers' standings, with the 19-year-old making history after his third consecutive win at the Miami GP. Not only is Antonelli the youngest championship leader ever, he is the only driver ever to have won his first three Grand Prix all from Pole Position.

Such a rich vein of form has led many to believe the Italian wonderkid is now the favourite for 2026 glory, especially given Russell's failure to secure a podium in each of the last two races. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, has tempered expectations surrounding Antonelli, and is confident his older teammate will bounce back.

Steiner, however, who had previously backed Russell for the title, is not convinced the 28-year-old will be able to stop Antonelli, arguing that as long as the Italian can handle the pressure, something he has already shown signs of being able to do, it will be the youngster who takes championship victory.

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner said: "It's not only that you need the machine, but his team-mate is George Russell. He has got a good team-mate, a very good driver, who I rate highly.

Steiner conceded it is early in the season, but praised Antonelli's ability not to be fazed by the title pressure so far. The worry for the former Haas team principal, however, is over how his young compatriot will respond when properly faced with adversity, making a comparison with Oscar Piastri's dip in form during the 2025 title battle.