Norris Says Antonelli Is "Two Levels Above" Russell

Lando Norris has heaped praise on Kimi Antonelli, saying the Mercedes driver has done an "incredible job" this season and has been performing "two levels above" his team-mate George Russell from start to finish.

That kind of comment from a rival carries weight. Antonelli's form has taken him to the brink of a record-breaking world championship, and Norris's assessment suggests the gap inside the Mercedes garage has been wide enough for an outside observer to notice. Teammate comparisons are usually decided by small margins, so describing the difference as two full levels is a notable choice of words.

Norris's remarks also highlight how quickly the sport's pecking order can shift. Antonelli has moved from being a young driver with plenty of potential to someone regarded as the man to beat, and Russell, a driver with a long record of his own, has found himself on the wrong end of the comparison.

Whether Antonelli can complete the job will depend on the remaining rounds, but the early verdict from the paddock is clear. If a championship rival is willing to call your season this strong, you are doing something right.