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Christian Horner backs Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes' lead driver
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Christian Horner backs Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes' lead driver

Christian Horner has expressed his belief that Kimi Antonelli deserves to be recognised as Mercedes' clear number one driver after his commanding performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Italian driver, aged 20, has established a substantial points advantage over his closest rival within the team, George Russell.

Antonelli currently leads the championship by 102 points with six races still to go, underscoring his dominance throughout the season. His consistent results have positioned him as the favourite to claim the world title this year, reflecting his rapid rise in the sport.

The latest race on 4 October saw Antonelli compete against Max Verstappen, further highlighting the intense competition at the top level of Formula 1. This event contributed to Antonelli's growing lead and reinforced his status within the Mercedes team.

As the season approaches its final stages, Antonelli's performance will be crucial in securing the championship for Mercedes. The team's strategy and support will likely focus on maintaining his momentum and capitalising on his current form to ensure success in the remaining rounds.

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