Valsecchi claims Antonelli is 'destroying' Russell at Mercedes.

      Former GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi asserts that Kimi Antonelli is doing much more than simply managing the pressures of Formula 1—he is outperforming George Russell at Mercedes. Antonelli's remarkable start to 2026 has already disrupted the internal hierarchy at Mercedes, with the 19-year-old now leading Russell comfortably in the championship after achieving three consecutive wins from pole position. Valsecchi believes that the race in Miami highlighted just how imbalanced the situation is becoming.

      "In the second weekend, he dominated Russell from start to finish," he said to Formula1.it. "In Miami, there was never a comparison between their speeds. He was consistently three tenths ahead throughout the weekend." Valsecchi expressed uncertainty about whether the real question pertains to his compatriot's ability to handle pressure or that of the 28-year-old Russell.

      "I’m unsure if he’ll manage the pressure," he noted. "But the same goes for Russell, who I envisioned contending for the World Championship if Mercedes had a competitive car." The Italian highlighted that Russell began 2026 widely recognized as one of Formula 1’s elite drivers after several years alongside Lewis Hamilton.

      "He has adapted to this and has proven himself to be among the world’s top five drivers over the years," Valsecchi stated. However, he argued that the magnitude of Antonelli's dominance is nearly unprecedented among high-level teammates, raising significant questions about Russell. "Can you name a driver in recent years who has consistently been three or four tenths slower than their teammate?" he asked.

      "Hamilton, during his championship seasons, never experienced a weekend in which he was so consistently ahead of his teammate across every session." "And with Verstappen—it’s not even worth discussing; it hasn’t really happened. If his partner ever outperformed him, it was typically due to an error."

      Valsecchi pointed out that Antonelli's superiority is not limited to just one circuit. "This situation of completely outpacing another driver over two different tracks is telling," he remarked. "It happened in China, where the Safety Car played a minor role, but in Miami, it was evident in every session, from the Sprint to the main race."

      He believes Antonelli deserves to be free from undue criticism. "In my view, he’s not just executing a masterpiece; he’s surpassing expectations. He’s a young driver beating someone who has been regarded among the top five in the world for the past two or three years. Just let him perform and let’s support him."

      However, former driver Ralf Schumacher cautioned that Mercedes’ significant upgrade package for Canada could disrupt Antonelli’s momentum. "It can all change very quickly," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. "You never know—it all hinges on the driving style."

      Schumacher likened the scenario to McLaren’s development divide last year between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. "Lando Norris was quite satisfied, while Oscar Piastri wasn’t," he noted. "It all depends on whether the driver prefers less or more understeer."

      He also recalled that Mercedes’ development had previously impacted Antonelli during his rookie season. "We remember that last year, Mercedes made a serious error with the rear axle, which affected Kimi Antonelli," he said. "That was when he lost his way. He struggled to cope, and that could happen once more."