Kimi Antonelli's 43-point lead in perspective

It is an incredible start for Kimi Antonelli, who finds himself 43 points clear of George Russell after just five rounds of the 2026 season. The gap grew recently following Russell’s retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix, a development that led the Briton to comment, "it feels like somebody doesn't want me to fight or compete for this championship".

But before we crown a champion, we must remember that racing is a volatile beast. History is littered with massive swings, like in 2022 when Max Verstappen clawed back a 46-point deficit to Charles Leclerc, or even the 2025 season where a 104-point gap was overturned. Even if Antonelli and Russell mirrored the results seen throughout the 2025 campaign, data suggests the Italian would be overtaken by his teammate by Round 11. Nothing is decided yet.