Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 standings on 72 points after the opening three races, according to ESPN’s results. The Bologna-born driver, racing car No. 12 for Mercedes, has started from the front row at every round to set the early championship pace.
Antonelli opened his campaign at the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix on 3/7, starting second and finishing second over 58 laps to collect 18 points. That podium laid the groundwork for the momentum that followed.
At the Heineken Chinese Grand Prix on 3/15, Antonelli secured pole position and converted it into victory after 56 laps. ESPN credits him with 29 points for the Shanghai weekend, marking his first win of the season.
He repeated the pole-to-win combination at the Aramco Japanese Grand Prix on 3/29. Starting first and taking the flag after 53 laps, he added 25 points to his tally as his strong run continued.
Across three starts, Antonelli’s 2026 statistics show two wins and two poles. ESPN’s standings list him first overall with 72 points and no deficit indicated in the “Behind” column, reflecting his position at the top of the table. His consistent qualifying form—P2 in Australia followed by back-to-back poles—has underpinned his results.
Antonelli competes with a Mercedes engine and chassis as part of the Mercedes team. His ESPN profile lists his birth date as August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy.
With victories in China and Japan and a podium in Australia, Antonelli has built clear early-season momentum. The season continues with more rounds to come; keep an eye on his results and standings to see whether he can extend his lead as the calendar progresses.
Source: espn.com.sg