Bottas Jokes He Deserves 'All the Credit' for Antonelli's Stunning Start

Kimi Antonelli's sensational start to the 2026 season has drawn praise from all corners, with even former Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas joking he deserves "all the credit" for the young Italian's dominant run. Antonelli now leads the drivers' standings by 20 points over teammate George Russell after four rounds, having won three consecutive races including a commanding victory in Miami.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's rapid rise reshapes Mercedes' internal dynamics and the championship fight. Bottas, who worked closely with the 19-year-old during his reserve role, offers a unique perspective on the driver's growth, while his lighthearted comments underline the growing belief that Antonelli could challenge for the title in just his second full season.

The details:

• Bottas, asked about Antonelli's run ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, cheekily replied: "I take all the credit, of course. It's just a fact." He then praised the young driver's progress, noting he has grown in confidence and technical feedback over the winter.
• "He's been chipping away, ticking boxes," Bottas said. "He seems much more confident, comfortable with the team and the car. I'm really proud of him."
• Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner warned Russell risks losing the title if Antonelli maintains his composure, as momentum inside the team has shifted toward the Italian.
• Russell himself admitted after the Miami GP, where Antonelli finished 43 seconds ahead of him, that he had neglected racing fundamentals while focusing on energy management, calling the weekend a "much-needed" wake-up call.

What's next:

With Antonelli leading the standings and showing relentless form, the Canadian Grand Prix will be a critical test for Russell to reclaim momentum. Bottas' joking "credit" aside, the real challenge for Mercedes is managing this intra-team battle without letting the championship slip away to rivals.