Kimi Antonelli’s Italian Grand Prix win from 19th on the grid was a statement performance and extends his lead in the Formula 1 world championship to 66 points. With a maximum of 10 rounds left, the Italian driver is in a supremely strong position to seal the 2026 world title.

Haydn Cobb argues it would need a generational choke for Antonelli to lose it from here. To go from 19th on the grid to victory against George Russell and Max Verstappen will go down in history as the first moment the 20-year-old demonstrated his F1 world champion credentials. He has finished on the podium 11 times in 13 grands prix this season.

Ben Vinel believes it is not over yet but Russell will need luck. The dynamic isn’t favourable to Russell, and in order to make up the gap, the stars need to align. Such a recovery wouldn’t be unprecedented – Oscar Piastri was outscored by both Lando Norris and Verstappen last year despite leading early on.

Filippo Barbierelli and others suggest Antonelli’s rivals simply have too much to do. As long as the Italian shows up on the grid, he looks set to become world champion.