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Kimi Antonelli has played down suggestions that he has become Mercedes' "No. 1 driver" in the 2026 season, insisting that the team continues to give him and teammate George Russell equal opportunities despite the growing gap between them in the championship standings.
Antonelli has put together a strong campaign so far and extended his championship lead over Russell to 81 points, placing himself in a commanding position in the title race.
While the Italian has regularly come out ahead of his teammate this season, Russell has struggled to adapt to Mercedes' new car developed under the latest technical regulations.
Despite holding a substantial advantage in the standings, Antonelli rejected the idea that his results had changed his status within Mercedes.
"I don't think there is anyone within Mercedes who is the team's No. 1 driver," Antonelli said.
"The team rightly wants to give both of us the same opportunities. So I definitely don't think there is a No. 1 driver."
"I think we are both on the same level."
Russell, who sits considerably behind Antonelli in the championship standings, has also previously said that he and his Italian teammate are competing on equal terms within the team.
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