Kimi Antonelli admitted that not even he expected to reach the Formula 1 break leading the championship. The title fight, McLaren’s progress, and Liberty Media’s financial results were among the main topics this Thursday.
Read more F1: Briatore says he doesn’t understand why Alpine hasn’t won yet
Antonelli has 219 points and holds a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton, who is in second place. The Italian started the year with a second place in Australia, won five consecutive GPs, then returned to the top at Spa-Francorchamps before completing the podium in Hungary. Despite the comfortable position, he stated that he still needs to learn and keep working in the second half of the season.
Hamilton also appeared as a direct threat to the leader. Emerson Fittipaldi assessed that the Ferrari driver is ready to fight for the championship, while Damon Hill highlighted his influence on the Italian team’s recovery. The standings keep George Russell in third, with 160 points, followed by Charles Leclerc, with 138.
At McLaren, Lando Norris projected new victories after the dominant win at the Hungarian GP. The Briton acknowledged that the car’s performance still varies depending on the circuit but said he trusts the continued evolution. The team, which was about a second per lap behind Mercedes at the start of the year, has reduced the gap with its recent updates.
Read more F1: Fittipaldi sees Hamilton ready to fight for the title in 2026
Aston Martin also gained prominence due to Adrian Newey’s assessment of the recovery after a start considered “disastrous.” The designer showed confidence in the team’s evolution while again expressing optimism about Fernando Alonso’s continuation in the project. At Red Bull, Isack Hadjar demanded new advances so the team can challenge Mercedes and Ferrari.
Off the track, Liberty Media reported a 38% drop in second-quarter revenue to US$764 million, as well as a 61% reduction in adjusted OIBDA. Despite the numbers, the company stated it remains confident in the commercial strength of its brands and in the growth of fan engagement with F1.
Alpine completed the day’s highlights. Flavio Briatore said he does not understand why the team has not yet won in 2026, while Liam Lawson acknowledged that Racing Bulls started the season without knowing their real level but reached the break in fifth place among constructors after an evolution beyond internal expectations.
