Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes driver, has led the drivers’ standings since the third race of the 2026 season and currently holds an 81-point lead over his closest rival, George Russell, following the Spanish Grand Prix.
With nine races remaining, including a Sprint weekend at Singapore (the 17th round), a maximum of 233 points remain available. Eight other drivers are mathematically still in contention for the title, but their chances are slim if Antonelli continues to score consistently.
According to calculations from F1.com, Antonelli could clinch the championship as early as Singapore if he wins the Azerbaijan and Bahrain Grands Prix, as well as both the Grand Prix and Sprint at Singapore, while Russell fails to score any points in these events. Under this scenario, Antonelli would reach 375 points, establishing an insurmountable lead over Russell.
If this scenario does not materialize, other possibilities remain, particularly if Antonelli and Russell continue to finish around their current average positions (1st for Antonelli, 3.5th for Russell), though the title race could then extend further into the season.
