Kimi Antonelli is, indisputably, the big name of the 2026 Formula 1 season. In just his second year on the grid, the young Italian has stood out and is swimming strongly in pursuit of his first title in the premier category of world motorsport.
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It is not only his performances that catch the eye or the demeanor that hardly resembles a 19-year-old driver that bring favoritism to the Mercedes driver. The numbers achieved in these 11 rounds of the first half of the championship also highlight the great evolution compared to his debut year.
In 2025, it is true, he moved up from Formula 2 to make his F1 debut with the difficult task of replacing none other than Lewis Hamilton alongside George Russell. In a year of adaptation and with a dose of inexperience, he struggled to get results, yet still made it to the podium.
Now, this season, Antonelli has established himself as one of the main names in the pack at such a young age and already appears at the top of the standings with no less than a 50-point lead over the one who precisely had to take the seat, the British seven-time champion.
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Comparing 2025 and 2026 up to the summer break rounds, Kimi’s numbers impress. Even with fewer rounds this year, the Italian Mercedes driver has much more impressive stats.
Below, check the comparisons between Kimi Antonelli’s campaigns in 2025 and 2026 up to the summer break:
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| 2025 | 2026 | |
| races contested | 14 | 11 |
| poles | 0 | 6 |
| wins | 0 | 6 |
| podiums | 1 | 9 |
| top-10 | 7 | 9 |
| DNFs | 7 | 2 |
| points scored | 64 | 219 |
