Antonelli extends lead with third at Hungarian Grand Prix

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli extended his advantage in the Formula 1 world championship with a hard-fought third-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26, 2026. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver overcame a grid penalty to secure the podium, increasing his lead over rival Lewis Hamilton to 50 points heading into the sport's summer break.

Antonelli started the race from seventh position after receiving a three-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement during qualifying. In a complex race defined by mixed tire strategies, he worked his way forward, ultimately finishing behind race winner Lando Norris of McLaren and Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Antonelli described the result as a significant exercise in damage limitation for Mercedes, which faced increased competition from upgraded Ferrari and McLaren cars throughout the weekend.

The Italian driver acknowledged that even a better starting position may not have been enough to challenge Norris for victory, crediting the McLaren's superior pace. He praised his team's strategic calls, which included an initial gamble on a one-stop strategy before a precautionary second pit stop. His podium contention was solidified...