Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the current leader of the Formula 1 championship, has stated that Mercedes is no longer «clearly» the fastest team on the grid after finishing second in the Dutch Grand Prix, where he was surpassed by Lando Norris.
The McLaren driver achieved victory at the Zandvoort circuit with an MCL40 car that has experienced significant improvements. This has left Mercedes with only two victories in the last six races, with Ferrari also adding two victories during this period.
It’s worth noting that Mercedes started the 2026 season dominantly, winning the first six races from pole, but competition has intensified recently.
«We are not the fastest car on the grid right now,» Antonelli stated. «We are probably second or third, at least in today’s race. McLaren has made significant advances, especially since Hungary with their large upgrade package.»
Antonelli expressed his confidence in the team, which is working intensely on a new upgrade package. «It will be a challenge, but we are ready to give our best and seize every opportunity,» he added.
Despite this situation, Mercedes has announced an important upgrade package for the second half of the season, with the drivers making the final efforts in the battle for the constructors’ and drivers’ titles.
Antonelli maintains a 59-point lead over his teammate, George Russell, and an 87-point lead over Ferrari. At the same time, Russell has pointed out that they have been in a complicated moment, finishing seventh in Budapest and third in Zandvoort, but hopes that conditions will be more favorable at the next Monza circuit.
Reflecting on the competition situation, Russell commented that races with high degradation benefit McLaren and Norris, who proves to be a specialist in these conditions. «Monza may be different, but McLaren is the team to beat right now.»
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
