Kimi Antonelli States Mercedes No Longer F1's Fastest Team

Kimi Antonelli, leading the Formula 1 championship, has expressed that Mercedes is no longer the fastest team in the competition. This statement follows his runner-up finish to Lando Norris at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Norris secured his second consecutive victory from pole position.

Mercedes, which had a dominant start to the 2026 season by winning the first six races, has faced increased competition recently, with both McLaren and Ferrari claiming victories. Antonelli acknowledged that McLaren has made significant progress, especially after their recent upgrades.

Despite the challenges, Antonelli remains optimistic about upcoming upgrades from Mercedes, which he believes could restore their competitive edge. Meanwhile, teammate George Russell noted the team's recent struggles but expressed hope for improved performance in the next race at Monza.