Steiner: Antonelli can take F1 title from Russell if he keeps his cool

Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has declared that Mercedes' George Russell will be this year's "vice champion" if teammate Kimi Antonelli manages to "keep his cool." Four races into the 2026 season, the 19-year-old Antonelli leads Russell by 20 points after winning three consecutive Grands Prix from pole position – a historic feat that makes him the youngest championship leader ever.

Why it matters:

Steiner's prediction carries weight given he originally backed Russell as the clear favourite for 2026. The Italian's rapid rise has reshaped the title narrative, turning Mercedes' intra-team battle into the defining storyline of the season. If Antonelli sustains his form, he could not only deny Russell his first championship but also cement himself as F1's next dominant force.

The details:

• Antonelli has won each of his first three career Grands Prix from pole, an unprecedented start to a season.
• Russell has failed to reach the podium in the last two races, allowing his younger teammate to build a solid points gap.
• Steiner, speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, acknowledged Russell's quality but said Antonelli is "slowly taking it away from him."
• The former Haas boss cautioned that Antonelli must avoid the mistakes Oscar Piastri made in 2025: losing composure after the summer break when things went wrong.
• Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has tried to temper expectations, insisting Russell will bounce back.

What's next:

Antonelli has shown remarkable poise so far, but the true test will come when he faces adversity – a mechanical failure, a controversial penalty, or a run of bad luck. If he can keep his cool through those moments, Steiner believes the championship is his to lose. The season is still early, but the momentum is clearly with the teenager.