Andrea Kimi Antonelli has silenced his critics with his performances on track

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes that Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the leader of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, has earned the right to be Mercedes’ undisputed number one driver.

TodayPress TV reports, citing Autosport, that Horner discussed relationships between drivers within a team and how their status is determined.

“It is very difficult to keep everyone happy all the time. You have to be honest, stick to your principles and be clear about what your objectives are. Ultimately, the team comes first, and the drivers are employees. It is unrealistic to promise both drivers that they can become world champions. In the end, one driver will gain the upper hand on track. Even if both are given equal opportunities and identical machinery, respect and a certain status within the team have to be earned through performance.

“Just look at Kimi Antonelli. He fully deserves his current position within the team because of what he has been delivering on track. If a fierce battle developed between him and a rival from another team, the team would have to take a position. Otherwise, it could risk losing the championship, as Williams potentially did years ago in the battle involving Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet and Alain Prost.”

Namiq HUN