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Mercedes Puts Antonelli Ahead of Russell in 2026 Standings

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mercedes has placed Kimi Antonelli ahead of teammate George Russell in the 2026 Drivers' Championship.
Antonelli built a 66-point lead after the Japanese Grand Prix, a 50-point gap over Lewis Hamilton.
Reliability problems, including Russell’s battery failure in Belgium and water-leak in Hungary qualifying, left him third behind Hamilton and Antonelli.
Thierry Boutsen said Antonelli has six wins and more poles than Russell, who trails four wins and two poles.

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Story summary

Mercedes has placed Kimi Antonelli ahead of teammate George Russell in the 2026 Drivers' Championship.
Antonelli built a 66-point lead after the Japanese Grand Prix, a 50-point gap over Lewis Hamilton.
Reliability problems, including Russell’s battery failure in Belgium and water-leak in Hungary qualifying, left him third behind Hamilton and Antonelli.
Thierry Boutsen said Antonelli has six wins and more poles than Russell, who trails four wins and two poles.