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Hungarian Grand Prix winner Lando Norris and runner-up Max Verstappen both singled out Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the standout performer of the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season following Sunday's race at the Hungaroring.
The trio, who finished first, second and third respectively in Budapest, were asked after the race which driver they believed had extracted the most from the machinery at their disposal during the opening half of the campaign.
While Norris admitted every driver would naturally back themselves, he ultimately pointed to championship leader Antonelli for the consistency he has shown throughout the season.
"I think we'll probably all just say ourselves," Norris joked. "I feel like you can't really compare in these things. You can't really compare teams against teams."
Despite acknowledging how difficult it is to judge drivers competing in different cars, Norris believes Antonelli has produced the most complete campaign.
"I think you have to say Kimi, as a complete package. They have a great car, and he's done an incredible job, convincingly beating his teammate every single weekend."
"So, when you're talking about a championship, you have to give credit to Kimi."
Norris was also quick to stress his own confidence, insisting that when McLaren gives him a race-winning car, he expects to be unbeatable. "But, you know, when I have a good car like today, I feel like no one's going to beat me."
The reigning world champion added that comparing drivers across different teams is almost impossible because of the varying performance levels of the cars.
"I think you probably have, in front of you, three of the best drivers in Formula 1. There are still plenty of others, but it's impossible to really compare these things."
"I think everyone who's sat here is doing an incredible job and probably getting the most out of the car, and that's what you can really ask for."
Verstappen echoed Norris' assessment, praising the 19-year-old Mercedes driver for both his speed and consistency during his breakthrough campaign.
"I think, if you look at the front, Kimi has done a really good job," Verstappen said. "Really strong, really solid, being the strongest in the team."
The four-time world champion also noted that Antonelli's points tally could have been even stronger without a series of setbacks.
"I think, if he just keeps it going – of course, he's also been very unlucky sometimes, so that's been, I guess, a bit of a shame – but as a 19-year-old, so far, I think he's been rock solid. So, that's really impressive to see as an outsider."
Verstappen also offered a brief assessment of his own season, describing it as challenging as Red Bull has struggled to consistently match McLaren and Mercedes.
"For me, it's definitely been a bit of a jungle this year, but I'm just trying to enjoy it where I can."
Antonelli, meanwhile, was reluctant to place himself alongside the two established champions despite receiving praise from both rivals.
"I don't really like judging, but I feel like I've done a good first half," the Italian said. "But, as Lando and Max said, it's really hard to compare car to car."
The Mercedes driver insisted he still has room for improvement before reaching the level of his more experienced rivals.
"I think there's still a long way before I reach their level, the two drivers next to me. So, I feel like I'm doing a great job, but there's still a long way to reach their level. So, still lots of work to do."