Horner says Antonelli earning case for Mercedes No. 1

Says on-track results decide hierarchy

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 2h1 min read

Christian Horner believes Kimi Antonelli is earning the right to become Mercedes’ number one driver — and that status is Via @autosport on X

What happened: Christian Horner tied Mercedes hierarchy to on-track results. The comment spotlights Kimi Antonelli as the team heads into Austin with title math in play.

Why it matters: A defined No. 1 would shape strategy calls and garage resources in a teammate title fight. Antonelli already owns a maiden win in China during his rookie season.

By the numbers: Antonelli qualified P4 and finished P3 at Marina Bay. Max Verstappen won from pole ahead of Charles Leclerc in second.

What to watch: Mercedes opens a triple-header at Circuit of the Americas. The gap between its drivers there will test Horner's measure.

Sources

@autosport 2026-10-20T14:23:55.179642+00:00

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