Bernie Ecclestone thinks that Kimi Antonelli or Max Verstappen will become world champion in 2026. George Russell – who was seen as the absolute title favorite beforehand – he dismisses. The Brit has already been outpaced by his younger Mercedes teammate in the last three Grands Prix; Antonelli won in China, Japan, and Miami. Ecclestone also sees that Red Bull is slowly making a comeback; and then Verstappen is always dangerous.
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In the lead-up to the current F1 season, Mercedes was already seen as the favorite. Due to the new engine regulations, the German factory team was most likely to have a new dominant period. Those expectations were met in the opening races: all four Grands Prix were won by the Silberpfeile. To many’s surprise, however, it was Antonelli who excelled; his more experienced teammate even missed the podium in both Japan and Miami.
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The season is still young, but so far Antonelli has the momentum to pull further ahead of Russell. According to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, it is even too late for the Brit. “Antonelli or Verstappen will become world champion,” he said to the Swiss Blick. He does not dare to write off the Dutchman – partly because of the good results in Miami. “Red Bull seems to have overcome its slump,” he explained. “Max has found his fire again; and when he does, he is dangerous.”
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