Martin Brundle: Kimi Antonelli 'Outstanding' as Red Bull, Ferrari Close Gap; Oscar Piastri's 'Pain' in 2026 Cars

Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle has delivered his verdict on a pivotal phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season, highlighting the 'outstanding' performance of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. While Antonelli has impressed in his debut year, Brundle notes that Red Bull, Ferrari, and sometimes McLaren have significantly eroded Mercedes' early-season pace advantage. This convergence means Antonelli's potential World Championship victory may not come in the dominant style he might have envisioned earlier in the year. Brundle also addresses the 'pain' experienced by Oscar Piastri in the context of the upcoming 2026 car regulations, suggesting that the McLaren driver's current form could be disrupted by the major technical overhaul. The analysis underscores how the 2025 title fight has tightened, with multiple teams now in contention, and raises questions about how drivers will adapt to the next generation of cars. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy remains wide open, and all eyes will be on whether Antonelli can maintain his momentum against a resurgent field.