Antonelli Takes 25-Point F1 Lead as Verstappen Exit Clause Looms Before 2-Race Break
Updated
Updated · Sky Sports · Jul 16
Antonelli Takes 25-Point F1 Lead as Verstappen Exit Clause Looms Before 2-Race Break
3 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · Jul 16
Summary
Belgium and Hungary host the final two races before Formula 1’s summer break, with Kimi Antonelli arriving at Spa 25 points clear of Mercedes teammate George Russell despite losing 41 points over the last three rounds.
Three winless races have tightened the title fight because Antonelli mixed standout pace with errors and bad luck, while Russell capitalized with victory in Austria and second at Silverstone.
Max Verstappen heads into the double-header under fresh pressure after Silverstone confirmed he will be outside the top two at the break, activating a clause that could let him leave Red Bull after 2026.
Ferrari also enter with momentum after Charles Leclerc ended a 624-day win drought at Silverstone, while Aston Martin plan a major Hungary upgrade package centered on weight reduction and aerodynamic changes.
Those two weekends could also shape the driver market, with Verstappen’s decision and Fernando Alonso’s future at Aston Martin both carrying potential knock-on effects across the grid.