Antonelli reinforces confidence in Mercedes, but admits: “We are no longer the fastest on the grid”

Key takeaways

• Pace shift acknowledged: Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli admitted that Mercedes no longer possesses the fastest car on the grid following Lando Norris‘ second consecutive win.
• McLaren surge: Antonelli highlighted McLaren’s major upgrade package introduced in Hungary as the catalyst behind their pace advantage, placing Mercedes second or third in overall performance.
• Trust in upcoming updates: The Italian expressed full confidence in Mercedes’ development team as they prepare their next upgrade package for the W17 to reclaim their technical edge.

Lando Norris’ second consecutive victory left Andrea Kimi Antonelli convinced that Mercedes no longer has the fastest car on the grid, as it did at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Italian, however, reiterated his trust in the team’s work and hopes that the next upgrade package for the W17 will put him back in an advantageous position.

Antonelli came very close to winning the Dutch Grand Prix after taking the lead on the second standing restart, following the red flag caused by Max Verstappen’s crash. But his final stint on the hard tires proved problematic. Lacking pace, Kimi was passed with ease by Norris, who sailed smoothly toward the checkered flag.

Antonelli still relied on help from George Russell to cross the finish line in second—a more than necessary result, because despite the comfortable 83-point distance he holds over Lando, who sits fourth in the World Championship, the battle could change quickly if McLaren manages to secure 1-2 finishes in the second half of the season.

In a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO after the race in Zandvoort, Kimi was candid in showing concern over the reigning world champion team’s progress.

“For sure, we are no longer the fastest car on the grid. We are probably second or third, at least here, and McLaren has made a huge step since Hungary, especially with the major upgrade package they brought,” he analyzed.

“But I trust the team. They have been working very hard on this next package that is coming, and they just want to make sure that everything works well as soon as we fit it. So, for sure, it is going to be harder, a challenge, but we are ready to give our best and make the most of every opportunity. And hopefully, it will be our turn to bring the package that gives us a bit of an edge again,” he concluded.

Antonelli leads the Drivers’ World Championship with 242 points, 59 more than George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied on 183. Lando Norris is fourth with 159 points, but has won the last two races of the year in Hungary and the Netherlands.

Formula 1 returns for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all track action live. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 4 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Where does Kimi Antonelli rank Mercedes in terms of current grid hierarchy?

Antonelli stated that Mercedes is currently second or third in overall pace, behind McLaren following Woking’s recent upgrade packages.

2. What is Kimi Antonelli’s current lead in the Drivers’ Championship?

Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship by 59 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

3. How is Mercedes planning to respond to McLaren’s recent speed?

Mercedes is preparing a new upgrade package for the W17, taking time to validate its effectiveness before bringing it to the track.