Kimi Antonelli leads the championship after a major step forward in his second Formula 1 season.

Antonelli became Formula 1's youngest championship leader after three rounds and has remained in front through the first half of 2026. He also secured his first pole position and Grand Prix victory in China.

The Mercedes driver has outpaced George Russell at seven rounds this season. Russell was faster in Canada, Barcelona and Austria, but Antonelli's deficits at those events were smaller than in 2025.