Antonelli is performing exceptionally well, but Mercedes is "completely dominant," according to Salo.

      "If Russell doesn’t win, Antonelli takes the victory."

      Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable ascent in Formula 1 has continued with consecutive pole positions in Shanghai and Suzuka, although not everyone is willing to credit the young Italian solely for his success. The 19-year-old driver for Mercedes is now the youngest championship leader in the history of the sport, holding a 9-point lead over his seasoned teammate George Russell after the initial stages of the 2026 season.

      Former F1 driver Mika Salo commented on Antonelli’s impressive performances, but he also noted that they reflect the current hierarchy in the sport. "Suzuka showcased another strong performance from him," he told Ilta Sanomat. "Naturally, Mercedes has a completely dominant car right now, so as it stands—if Russell doesn’t win, Antonelli wins. That’s been the case at least for the early part of this season."

      Salo emphasized Antonelli’s long-time involvement with the Mercedes team as a significant advantage. "It’s also crucial that he has been with Mercedes for a considerable time. He understands the organization and knows how to leverage its resources," he stated. "Conversely, Mercedes has been able to shape him into the driver they desire."

      Nonetheless, Salo anticipates that Russell’s experience will become increasingly important as the season progresses. "I believe that as the season advances, Russell’s experience will begin to stand out," he added. "However, it's difficult to assess. In the past few seasons, he has consistently delivered top performances in a car that hasn’t been among the quickest on the grid."