Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has made a bold prediction about the 2026 drivers’ championship, suggesting Kimi Antonelli could deny George Russell the title if the young Italian can maintain his composure.
Steiner, speaking on *The Red Flags Podcast*, praised Antonelli’s start to the season. The Mercedes driver has won three of the first four races—back-to-back victories in China and Japan, followed by another in Miami—giving him a 20-point lead over teammate Russell.
“It’s not only that you need the machine, but his teammate is George Russell. He has a good teammate, a very good driver, who I rate highly,” Steiner said. “I thought it was Russell’s time to bring the championship home this year. But I think Kimi is slowly taking it away from him, if he can keep his cool.”
When asked if he believed Antonelli was now the clear favorite, Steiner added: “He still needs to win it. But he’s showing all the signs of not being bothered by whatever happens. The thing I fear most is if he runs into issues and loses his cool—similar to what Oscar did last year. Before the summer break, Oscar was in command, but after two setbacks, he lost the championship. Maybe it’s Antonelli’s to lose, but we’re still early in the season.”
Steiner predicts that Russell will finish as vice-champion rather than champion this year, pointing to Antonelli’s ability to handle pressure.
The 2026 season continues with the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from May 22-24. Heading into that weekend, Antonelli leads the standings with 100 points, Russell is second with 80, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third with 59, and defending champion Lando Norris fourth with 51 points.