Lando Norris says Kimi Antonelli has done an "incredible job" and has been "two levels above" Mercedes team-mate George Russell this season. The form has taken the Italian to the brink of a record-breaking world championship triumph.
Antonelli holds a 102-point lead at the top of the standings with six races remaining. The 20-year-old could become F1's youngest-ever world champion as early as this Sunday's United States Grand Prix, provided he wins the race and nearest challengers Russell and Lewis Hamilton fail to score enough points to remain mathematically in contention.
Norris, who claimed his own maiden title with McLaren last year, praised the Italian's second season in F1 against the "very good" Russell. "I think it's very impressive what he's been able to do," said Norris. "At his age, his second year in Formula 1, he's going to be the youngest world champion ever. It's pretty incredible." He highlighted Antonelli's big step forward in optimising the car, his handling of pressure, and his consistency in both qualifying and races. "I rate George and I think he's a very good driver, but Kimi has been two levels above George the whole season," Norris added.
Mercedes promoted Antonelli to the seat vacated by the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton from the 2025 season, making him the sport's third-youngest driver in history at the time. Asked in Austin whether he had any advice for his successor, seven-time champion Hamilton quipped: "Slow down!" He then praised Antonelli's talent, calmness and approach, adding: "He's done an amazing job this year, and I'm so proud of him."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing