Max Verstappen has lauded the impressive performances of Kimi Antonelli, who has emerged as a strong contender in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The 19-year-old driver currently leads the Drivers' Championship with a 50-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, showcasing remarkable consistency since March.

Antonelli, in only his second season, made history by becoming one of the few teenagers to win a Grand Prix, achieving this feat at the Chinese Grand Prix. He has since added five more victories to his record, further solidifying his position at the top of the standings.

During a post-race press conference after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen praised Antonelli's performance, stating:

Kimi has done a really good job. Really strong, really solid, being the strongest in the team.

• He acknowledged Antonelli's occasional bad luck but emphasized his impressive consistency for a driver of his age.

Lando Norris, the Hungarian GP winner, also commended Antonelli, highlighting his ability to outperform teammate George Russell consistently. Norris remarked:

You have to say Kimi, as a complete package. He has a great car and has done an incredible job.

In response, Antonelli expressed humility, acknowledging the challenges of comparing performances and recognizing the need for continued improvement.

Despite Antonelli's strong showing, Toto Wolff, principal of Mercedes, cautioned against labeling him as a title favorite this early in the season, noting the unpredictability of racing and the need for reliability as they move forward.