Kimi Antonelli has asserted his dominance in the nascent 2026 F1 season, securing his fourth consecutive Grand Prix victory in Canada and opening a significant 43-point lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell. Following wins in China, Japan, and Miami, Antonelli capitalized on Russell’s technical issues at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to build his championship buffer.
Despite the advantage, Antonelli insists he "can't relax," focusing race-by-race rather than on the championship. He emphasizes the need to "keep levelling up" as competitors close in and Russell remains a formidable threat. Antonelli reflected on the "tough, entertaining fight" with Russell in Montreal, underscoring their shared drive to win. While Mercedes appears to benefit from a substantial upgrade package, Antonelli remains cautious, citing challenging tire conditions in Canada. He expects a clearer picture of their car's true performance in the upcoming European races, where the team will aim to maintain its unbeaten streak.
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