Kimi Antonelli Eyes Fourth Consecutive Victory At Canadian GP With Challenge From Mercedes' George Russell

Last Updated:May 21, 2026, 10:20 IST

Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 F1 title race and chases a fourth straight win at the Canadian Grand Prix, as Mercedes bring upgrades and rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull loom

Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix chasing a remarkable fourth consecutive Formula One victory, as the teenage Mercedes driver continues his stunning rise in the 2026 championship battle.

The 19-year-old currently leads the drivers’ standings by 20 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell after four races of the 22-round season. Antonelli’s brilliant early-season form has turned him into one of the biggest stories in motorsport, while Mercedes are also expected to introduce significant upgrades in Montreal.

Kimi Antonelli vs George Russell For Mercedes

Despite his momentum, Kimi Antonelli expects Russell to respond strongly at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where the Briton has traditionally excelled.

“I am expecting George, for sure, to be super-strong again in Canada," said Antonelli, whose precocious talent, wide smile and curly hair have become a symbol of Italian sporting optimism following their football team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

“He’s always been strong in Montreal and he won last year, so I have to be ready and be fully focused. I will do my best."

Russell claimed pole position at the Canadian circuit last season and remains eager to reassert himself within Mercedes after Antonelli stole the spotlight with three consecutive victories. The Italian youngster, meanwhile, is targeting a slice of history by becoming the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1952 to win four straight Formula One races.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has attempted to dampen the growing hype surrounding Antonelli’s title credentials.

“Performance is only performance when it is delivered on track," he stressed.

“We are just four races into the season and there is a long year ahead. It is an important race for us, but it does not decide anything. So, we stay balanced, keep learning and execute as well as we can."

Ferrari, McLaren And Red Bull Challenge

Mercedes are expected to face stiff competition from Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull Racing, with reigning four-time champion Max Verstappen aiming for another strong showing in Montreal.

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur also voiced frustration over recent rule tweaks affecting race starts.

“It was a bit harsh for us," he said of the introduction of a blue light five-second warning to ensure teams spooled up their turbos.

(With inputs from Agencies)

News sports formula-one Kimi Antonelli Eyes Fourth Consecutive Victory At Canadian GP With Challenge From Mercedes' George Russell

Read More