APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Antonelli Builds Solid Lead as Hamilton Wins for Ferrari
While Kimi Antonelli takes an impressive lead in the championship, Lewis Hamilton has secured his long-awaited first victory for Ferrari.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-06-18T17:00:00.000Z - 1 min read

The 2026 Formula 1 season is coming into sharper focus, with Kimi Antonelli placing himself in a formidable position. The young driver has built a substantial 43-point lead, leading pundits to cautiously put him forward as a major title contender.
This dominant position was shaped in part by events at the recent Canadian Grand Prix, a race riddled with strategic missteps and unexpected retirements. Among others, George Russell saw his race end prematurely in Montreal, raising questions about his standing relative to Antonelli.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has achieved a memorable milestone. The multi-time world champion claimed his very first victory driving for Ferrari. This historic win came at the Barcelona Grand Prix, marking a crucial moment in his developing partnership with the Italian team.
These developments highlight a season rich in contrast: Antonelli's meteoric rise set against Hamilton's proven pedigree as he proves he can still fight for victories. With key figures such as Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, the championship remains unpredictable and compelling to watch.