'Completely different' - Domenicali refuses to compare Antonelli to F1 legends

With three consecutive pole positions and three straight victories, the young Italian has firmly established himself as the current favourite for the title. However, Antonelli is well aware that the championship battle is still extremely long and that the balance of power can shift again in an instant, especially with other outsiders potentially capable of joining the fight alongside the two Mercedes drivers.

Speaking to Radio24, Domenicali described Antonelli as a driver unlike any other world champion he has seen in Formula 1, highlighting the Italian’s natural approach and rapid development despite his young age. He also praised Antonelli’s ability to deal with pressure and continue improving from race to race, stressing that his characteristics differ significantly from legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.

After emerging as one of the standout performers of the 2025 season despite lacking a truly title-contending package, Russell entered 2026 with many expecting him to become Mercedes’ main championship challenger. His consistency and results over the previous campaign had firmly established him among the favourites heading into the new era.

However, it has been Antonelli who has stolen the spotlight so far. The Italian continued the impressive upward trajectory he had already shown during the closing stages of last season and transformed it into a sensational start to 2026, rapidly turning himself into a genuine title contender thanks to a dominant streak of pole positions and victories.

Ecclestone also singled out Verstappen as a major threat in the championship battle, suggesting Red Bull managed to bounce back after its difficult spell earlier in the season. The former Formula 1 boss stressed that once Verstappen rediscovers his rhythm and confidence, he will immediately become one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid, while predicting the title fight will ultimately come down to the Dutchman and Antonelli.