‘Unfazed’ Antonelli warned title pressure could take its toll despite impressive form

Kimi Antonelli leads the F1 2026 championship by 81 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell after winning eight Grands Prix, though a maximum 233 points remain available. Jamie Chadwick suggested that while Antonelli has handled pressure well so far, appearing "unfazed" and driving freely, the situation could intensify if the title fight comes down to the wire late in the season. Jolyon Palmer disagreed, seeing "zero sign" of pressure affecting him, pointing to his continued aggressive racing, such as against Lando Norris in Spain, as evidence he won't crack. The discussion follows a hydraulic issue that cut short Antonelli's FP1 session in Baku, a reminder that a DNF could narrow the gap to Russell.