Mercedes has dominated the opening three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Mercedes driver George Russell winning in Melbourne and teammate Kimi Antonelli taking victories in China and Suzuka.
A Motorsport.com international panel, including Federico Faturos (Motorsport.com Latin America) and Giacomo Rauli (Motorsport.com Italy), noted Russell began the year as favourite but faced setbacks such as a Suzuka dip and a China gearbox-related Q3 issue amid Toto Wolff saying Russell did not have a "perfect" car.
The panel highlighted Antonelli's pace in practice and flawless race execution in China and Suzuka, while also pointing to his errors this season, including a heavy practice crash in Melbourne and a sprint clash with Isack Hadjar.
Writers concluded Russell's eight seasons of experience still favour him over 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, but Antonelli's early form makes the title battle less straightforward.
Read the full article at motorsport.com.
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