Antonelli’s title downplayed after Chinese GP win: 'Only if something special happens'

The 19-year-old became the second-youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history, doing so with a fantastic performance at the Chinese Grand Prix.

It was a mature and composed drive that showed why the young Italian should not be discounted in the World Championship battle with his teammate George Russell, despite this being only his second season in the pinnacle of motorsport.

However, despite the impressive drive, Steiner believes it might be a season too soon before Antonelli becomes champion of the world in F1.

"No, only if something special happens, like it happened in China, in qualifying," the Italian said while on the Red Flags podcast.

Although many believe Russell is the favourite to win the world title in 2026, questions about his future at Mercedes have emerged once again.

1996 World Champion Damon Hill has been the latest to do so, saying that even a World Championship is "not going to guarantee him his future at Mercedes”.

Despite questions about Russell's future at the German team coming up in conversation once again, a revelation was made by the 28-year-old in October 2025 after his contract extension, stating: "If I'm performing (in 2026), we have a specific clause that if I reach (a target), we will automatically renew for 2027, so my seat for 2027 is in my hands."