Ralf Schumacher backs Kimi Antonelli to have the ‘best chance’ at 2026 title over George Russell

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Kimi Antonelli is entering his second season in Formula 1 in 2026, and Ralf Schumacher thinks he is best positioned to win the championship.

The Italian endured a tough rookie season with Mercedes in 2025. Expectations were high, given his incredible junior record and that he would be replacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli started strong, finishing fourth from P16 on debut in Australia, before becoming the youngest leader of a Grand Prix in Japan and the youngest polesitter in Miami for the Sprint race. However, things derailed in Europe.

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The 19-year-old struggled for consistency, with unreliability and rookie errors costing him dearly. While Antonelli did score his maiden podium in Canada, he failed to score points in all but three races between his home events at Imola and Monza.

From there, results improved, including his second podium in Brazil. Finishing seventh overall in the championship, Antonelli is looking to progress further with the 2026 regulations, and Schumacher is backing him to do just that.

Ralf Schumacher thinks Kimi Antonelli has the ‘best chance’ to win the 2026 F1 title

All eyes are on Mercedes heading into 2026, with many believing that they have the fastest power unit. Pre-season testing would prove that theory, as data showed Mercedes had the best practice starts.

Reliability is a problem, as Antonelli suffered a ‘serious’ failure in Bahrain with the power unit. However, it is early days, and the Silver Arrows are still tipped to be the favourites for the championship.

Speaking on Backstage Boxengasse, former F1 driver Schumacher offered his predictions for the 2026 season, and he sees Antonelli having the best chance to win the title, not mentioning his teammate, George Russell.

He said: “That’s like reading a crystal ball now. But I would also say that Mercedes, of course, with two top drivers.

“Kimi Antonelli, who has had great development, has the best chance at the moment, no question, because the car was strong and fast from the start, and when you’re out there, you know why.

“And the same goes for Leclerc, Ferrari. Yes, and Max Verstappen, who is in a class of his own anyway, you just have to admit that. And we’ll see how strong the combination is once the fuel is out everywhere.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Has Kimi Antonelli got enough to win the 2026 F1 title?

Fighting for a world championship in year two is an impressive feat for any driver, but 2025 showed how much work Antonelli needs to do before he can challenge.

As aforementioned, rookie mistakes were common for the Italian last year, and he will need to block those out if he wants a serious chance at the title. Moreover, he has a new regulation cycle to get accustomed to, and the competition remains fierce.

Antonelli says it will be ‘difficult’ to fight Russell in 2026, as he believes that he is one of the benchmark drivers this season. Many are tipping the Brit to be the favourite for the title.

Guenther Steiner says Antonelli is ‘too young’ to be competing for the championship. The 19-year-old is still raw in F1 and might need more time to develop before he can think about winning a title.