In a survey conducted by RacingNews365, Lewis Hamilton was identified as the main candidate to prevent Kimi Antonelli’s first Formula 1 title in 2026. Even 50 points behind the young Mercedes driver, the Briton received broad preference in a poll conducted by the site.
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The result reinforces the perception that the championship battle remains open in the second half of the season. Although Antonelli leads the standings, Hamilton appears as the opponent who inspires the most confidence among fans to close the gap by the end of the year.
In the vote, 63.6% of participants chose Hamilton as the biggest threat to the championship leader. George Russell came in second place, with 13.4%, followed by Lando Norris, with 10.5%, and Max Verstappen, with 10%. Charles Leclerc received only 0.8% of the votes, while 1.7% opted for ‘other’ driver.
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This preference for Hamilton is explained by the consistency shown in the current season. The seven-time world champion has scored points consistently in all GPs held so far, without recording any retirements. In addition, he has some podiums and a victory at the Barcelona GP, results that place him in second position in the championship, with 169 points, 50 less than Antonelli at the August break.
Russell, currently third in the championship with 160 points, also appears as a title contender. However, a retirement at the Canadian GP and a non-scoring race in Monaco hurt his campaign, allowing Hamilton to be seen as a more consistent pursuer. Norris, fifth with 128 points, won the Hungarian GP but lost ground after failing to score in several races. Verstappen is in sixth place, with 109 points and still without wins in 2026, while Leclerc is fourth, with 138 points, behind his own teammate.
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