Johnny Herbert warns that Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes can expect a lot of resistance from McLaren in the second half of the season. Just before the summer break, reigning world champion Lando Norris scored his first Grand Prix win of the year. Although Antonelli has significantly extended his lead in the World Championship in recent months, Herbert anticipates a ‘dramatic turn’ in the battle for the championship.
Read more Juan Pablo Montoya reacts to exit rumors Max Verstappen: ‘As long as he is number one’
Although Ferrari has already won two Grands Prix this year at the expense of the dominant Mercedes, Herbert especially expects a lot from McLaren in the second half of 2026. The papayas have already introduced impressive upgrades in recent months and also want to make big steps during the upcoming races in Zandvoort and Baku. Herbert therefore predicts that McLaren will offer the most resistance to Mercedes in the remaining Grands Prix.
‘McLaren is in a very good position’
“If I were in the shoes of Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes, I would be most worried about McLaren at this moment,” said the former driver in an interview with a betting platform. “Just before the summer break, they apparently made the biggest progress. They are currently just in a very good position.”
Read more Loïc Serra warns against complacency at Ferrari: ‘There is still much to discover’
Now that Antonelli has built an impressive lead in the World Championship, Herbert hopes the title fight will not become too one-sided. He would like to see reigning world champion Lando Norris get involved in the battle again. “It would be fantastic to see McLaren with Lando Norris fighting for the world championship again,” he continued. “Then we would also see how Antonelli and Mercedes handle the pressure. There could still be a dramatic turn this season,” Herbert concluded enthusiastically.
Read more Kimi Antonelli experiences no conflict among Italian fans: ‘Beautiful to see’
Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
