Kimi Antonelli Addresses Idea of Max Verstappen as Mercedes Teammate

Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli opened up on having Max Verstappen as a potential teammate. Given Mercedes’ interest in signing the four-time world champion, George Russell’s contract extension talks have been put on hold.

Russell broke the news about Mercedes’ ongoing talks with Verstappen a few weeks ago. Despite the Briton’s contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season, he emphasized that he was loyal to Mercedes and was not considering a switch for the 2026 season.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Russell’s contribution, saying that he was driving the car to its full potential, leaving no stone unturned. While Wolff admitted that Russell and Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup, he also said that he was keeping an eye on Verstappen for the long-term future.

Verstappen’s Red Bull contract lasts until the end of 2028, but his challenges with the team’s car in the last year could push him to explore other options, especially considering the big reset in F1 next year, when the sport enters a new era of regulations.

In addition, the recent ousting of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly added to the uncertainty within the team. With the rumor mill doing its job, Kimi Antonelli has opened up on the prospect of Verstappen becoming his teammate, saying that he doesn’t mind either driver, but highlighted that he was happy having Russell as his teammate. He told Sky Sports F1:

“I don’t mind. To be honest, they are two very good drivers. I’m very happy with George. I’m finding that there is a really good dynamic in the team at the moment.”

However, Kimi Antonelli is also contracted to Mercedes until the end of this year, meaning Mercedes could drop him for Verstappen instead of Russell. The Italian rookie driver is aware of this possibility playing out in the future. When asked if he had received assurances from Mercedes about racing in 2026, he said:

“I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on. But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they’re obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well.

“There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what.”

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes should drop Kimi Antonelli for Verstappen instead of Russell. Explaining his reasoning, he said:

“How could they replace George with Max and leave Kimi Antonelli there if Mercedes wants to win a world championship? Kimi did one good race in Canada.

“The rest, how many good races did he have? Not many. So you take George out, who is doing a good job, like him or not, he’s doing a good job. He won a race [in Canada], so he’s obviously a good leader there.

“I think they [Mercedes] would need to take Kimi out to put Max in. I would understand that one at the moment say, ‘Hey, Kimi, let’s do a year at Alpine, or Williams,’ wherever, build it up.”

He added:

“He’s a good driver, but he needs to get experience. Being thrown in at that age, in a car which could win races, and you don’t win, it is not good for your build-up, so that’s difficult.”