– After the first three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, it looks like this year could come down to an internal Mercedes duel for the World Championship title. Because under the new regulations of the premier class, Mercedes is still undefeated so far.
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At the season opener in Australia, George Russell won; most recently in China and Japan, Kimi Antonelli was ahead twice. Russell also won the sprint in Shanghai. However, Toto Wolff does not want to hear anything about a possible title fight between his two drivers yet.
“First of all, we have to stay grounded,” the team principal clarifies and reminds: “We have three races behind us, the car is running well, so we have to continue our job and provide them with a vehicle with which they can continue to win.”
Because that could change quickly, says Wolff, who expects that the opponents could soon close in. When asked, the Austrian therefore also clarifies that at this point in the season it is still much too early to commit to one driver in the World Championship.
“Towards the end of the season, we will see how the point standings develop and if anything needs to be done,” explains the team principal, “but at this point, we are giving both of them absolutely free rein,” he emphasizes.
Antonelli: World Championship fight currently not an issue yet
This approach is not new at Mercedes. When Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dueled for the World Championship title for three consecutive years between 2014 and 2016, the Silver Arrows also always granted both drivers the same opportunities.
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Antonelli himself emphasizes meanwhile that he is not even thinking about a possible World Championship duel yet. “No, honestly, I’m not worried about that,” he says with regard to a possible title fight against his more experienced teammate.
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“I will just focus on myself, on what I have to do, and try to do everything right in terms of procedures, starts, and driving,” says the Italian, who also warns: “I believe Ferrari and McLaren will get closer.”
Like team principal Wolff, he therefore also emphasizes that for Mercedes, it is now first and foremost about continuing to keep the competition at bay. Antonelli leads the Drivers’ World Championship for the first time in his young career with 72 points after his victory in Suzuka.
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Russell is nine points behind his teammate; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, as the best non-Mercedes driver in third place in the World Championship, currently has a 23-point deficit to Antonelli.
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