RacingNews365 readers have spoken, and the verdict is emphatic: Lewis Hamilton is the man most likely to deny Kimi Antonelli a maiden world championship.
In our latest poll asking who represents Antonelli's biggest threat to the 2026 title, a commanding 63.6 per cent of voters selected Hamilton, dwarfing second-placed George Russell on 13.4 per cent. Lando Norris collected 10.5 per cent of the vote, with Max Verstappen on 10.0 per cent, while Charles Leclerc (0.8%) and 'someone else' (1.7%) barely registered.
It is easy to see why fans have backed Hamilton. The seven-time champion has been a model of consistency this season, scoring points in all nine grands prix without a single retirement.
His five podiums and victory in Barcelona have propelled him to third in the standings on 169 points, 50 behind Antonelli heading into the summer break. Ferrari's SF-26 has closed the gap to Mercedes in recent rounds, and at 41, Hamilton appears rejuvenated after a difficult 2025 campaign.
Russell, sitting second on 160 points with two wins and four poles, will feel he deserves a larger share of the vote. Yet his costly retirement in Canada and pointless afternoon in Monaco have undermined his challenge, allowing Hamilton to emerge as the more relentless pursuer.
Defending champion Norris, fifth on 128 points, has been hampered by multiple non-scores but did win in Hungary, while Verstappen, winless and sixth on 109 points in a struggling Red Bull, looks too far adrift. Leclerc, fourth on 138 points, has the machinery but trails his own teammate.
The numbers tell the story. If anyone can reel in Antonelli's lead over the second half of the season, fans believe it is Hamilton.
Who is Kimi Antonelli's biggest threat for the F1 title?
| Option | % |
|---|---|
| Lewis Hamilton | 63.6 |
| George Russell | 13.4 |
| Lando Norris | 10.5 |
| Charles Leclerc | 0.8 |
| Max Verstappen | 10.0 |
| Someone else | 1.7 |
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