SportsSeptember 16, 2026
Wolff warns Antonelli's 81-point lead isn't safe yet
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has warned Kimi Antonelli to stay alert to unexpected "black swan events" that could derail his title bid, despite his commanding advantage. Back-to-back wins at Monza and Madrid have stretched the Italian's lead over team-mate George Russell to 81 points, with nine rounds still to run.
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The title fight is effectively an intra-team contest. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and McLaren's Lando Norris, sitting third and fourth, trail by more than 100 points. Antonelli has topped the standings since winning in Japan on March 29, and the gap after the Spanish GP is his biggest of the season. The 20-year-old's eight wins are six more than any other driver has managed.
What they're saying: Wolff insisted the driver's claim that he isn't focused on the championship is genuine, praising his ability to switch between being a young kid off track and a mature racer in the car. Antonelli echoed the caution, saying that despite the big lead, anything can happen, so he needs to stay ready and maximise every chance. He credited his support network, especially his father Marco, with keeping him grounded. Notably, he conceded the Spanish GP win wasn't how he wanted it and that Norris deserved the victory.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix opens a triple-header from September 24–26, with the Baku race held on a Saturday.
Mar 29: He won in Japan, the season's third round, and has led the championship ever since.
Sep 6: At Monza he started 19th after an engine penalty and still won his home race. He became the first Italian to win there since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, and the seventh win of his season put him 66 points clear of Russell.
Sep 13: He won the Spanish GP in Madrid, stretching his lead to 81 points, his largest of the season, and taking his eighth win, six more than any other driver.
Sep 15: Wolff warns that unexpected "black swan" events could still derail the title bid.
Sep 26: The Azerbaijan GP in Baku moved to a Saturday to avoid clashing with the national day of remembrance. It opens a triple-header.
Oct 11: Singapore GP.
Dec 6: The season finale in Abu Dhabi.
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