Lando Norris believes Kimi Antonelli has done an "incredible job" to perform "two levels above" Mercedes team-mate George Russell this season, in form which has taken the Italian to the brink of a record-breaking world championship triumph. Antonelli looks all but assured to succeed Norris as F1's reigning world champion this year thanks to the 102-point lead he holds at the top of the standings with six rounds left. The 20-year-old could become the sport's youngest-ever champion as early as this Sunday's United States Grand Prix if he wins the race and nearest challengers Russell and Lewis Hamilton do not score sufficient points to stay in mathematical contention.
And Norris, who claimed his own maiden crown last year, has spoken glowingly about Antonelli's second season of F1 up 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, especially because, I wouldn't say he had a bad first season in Formula 1, he was against George, who I think is very good and has performed very well, especially in the last year [at Mercedes in 2024] against Lewis. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "For him to take quite a huge step from last year to this year, in terms of optimising things and understanding how to drive this year's car, more than other people as well. "Dealing with the pressure, the lack of mistakes that have come from him, in both qualifying and races, the consistency to beat his team-mate.
"I rate George and I think he's a very good driver, but Kimi has been two levels above George the whole season. He's done a pretty incredible job and I'm sure the world knows that. I don't need to say it, I think it's obvious enough." Mercedes made the then-18-year-old Antonelli the sport's third-youngest driver in history when they promoted him to the seat vacated by the Ferrari-bound Hamilton, F1's most successful-ever driver, from the 2025 season.
Asked in Austin on Thursday if he had any advice for Antonelli as his successor closes on the title, seven-time champion Hamilton quipped: "Slow down! He doesn't need any advice. I think he's shown this year, and also last year, but particularly this year, his talent and his ability, his calmness and his approach.
"He's done an amazing job this year, and I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of the way he's carried himself, how he interacts with the drivers and even with you guys. It's great to see him and the team excel.
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