'One stunning move settled the debate over who still tops the F1 grid'

Six wins from 11 races, nine podium finishes, with two more slipping away only because of technical failures. That is the remarkable record Kimi Antonelli has built so far this season as he continues to tighten his grip on the world championship. Although he did not win in Budapest, the Italian still extended his lead in the standings and heads into the summer break with the equivalent of a two-race advantage over second-placed Lewis Hamilton.

Even more striking has been the comparison with teammate George Russell. Tipped by many as the favourite for the title before the season began after his impressive 2025 campaign, the Briton has instead seen the gap to Antonelli grow race after race. A combination of misfortune and performances that have often fallen short of the young Italian's level has left Russell increasingly trailing in the championship.

"Kimi has done a really good job. Really strong, really solid, being the strongest in the team. I think, if he just keeps it going – of course, he’s also been very unlucky sometimes, so that’s been, I guess, a bit of a shame – but as a 19-year-old, so far, I think he’s been rock solid. So, that’s really impressive to see as an outsider," Verstappen said after the race.

Verstappen's comments are a clear reflection of the respect he has for the championship leader and serve as further recognition of Antonelli's outstanding progress. At just 19 years of age, the Italian has already emerged as the leading contender for a maiden world title, underlining just how extraordinary his development has been in such a short space of time.

At the same time, Verstappen once again reminded everyone why he is still widely regarded as the benchmark on the Formula 1 grid. In what has been a bittersweet season by Red Bull's standards, the Dutchman still secured a fourth podium of the year, with his runner-up finish built around a breathtaking overtake on Lewis Hamilton that already deserves to be in the conversation for move of the season.

The Dutchman produced a perfectly timed divebomb that caught the Ferrari driver completely off guard, leaving him with no chance to defend. Hamilton later admitted he never saw the move coming, a testament to the precision of Verstappen's overtake.

What stands out even more is Verstappen's remarkable ability to remain at the centre of attention despite no longer being in the title fight. Even without a car capable of matching his rivals on outright pace, the Dutchman always finds a way to make an impact, proving time and again that writing him off is never an option.

He already proved that last season, coming within touching distance of what would have gone down as one of the greatest title triumphs in Formula 1 history. And even in a campaign that has so far brought little reward and no shortage of misfortune, Verstappen has once again shown that he remains the benchmark on the grid, despite no longer carrying the number one on his car.