Max Verstappen, the four-time F1 world champion, sees similarities between himself and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who has faced challenges in his debut season.
The 18-year-old Italian, promoted rapidly from Formula Regional to F2 and then F1, started strongly with a fourth-place finish in Australia but has struggled, with only two top-10 results in his last nine races.
Notable errors include collisions with Charles Leclerc in Zandvoort and Verstappen in Austria.
Despite these, Verstappen defended Antonelli, stating that mistakes are expected in a rookie season, especially with a top team like Mercedes not consistently contending for wins.
Speaking at Monza, Verstappen praised Antonelli’s fearless approach, likening it to his own early career, and urged patience, confident in the teenager’s talent.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also expressed long-term belief in Antonelli, who is set for a 2026 contract extension alongside George Russell.
However, with Wolff eyeing Verstappen for a potential move, Antonelli faces pressure to reduce errors and deliver results to secure his future at Mercedes.
2025-09-06 19:39:00
George Russell secured pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, while F1 World Champion Max Verstappen was left furious at Lando Norris for affecting his qualifying run.
2025-10-05 16:26:00
George Russell claimed pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, but qualifying was marred by chaos, including a crash for Russell himself and a furious Max Verstappen who accused Lando Norris of affecting his final lap.
2025-10-05 13:42:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted that Max Verstappen’s unparalleled consistency makes him 'one of the best drivers ever' and nearly impossible to compete with.
2025-10-05 11:34:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted it is 'almost impossible' to be as good as his rival Max Verstappen, arguing the four-time world champion is 'at 99 per cent' even on a bad day.
2025-10-05 10:56:00
George Russell takes Singapore pole; Verstappen accuses Norris of blocking.
2025-10-04 21:55:00
Carlos Sainz has achieved his first podium finish for his new team Williams, beating his replacement at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
2025-09-23 12:59:00
Carlos Sainz secured his first Formula 1 podium finish for Williams on a memorable day in Azerbaijan, beating his replacement at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton.
2025-09-22 16:00:00
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli faces criticism after a messy race at Monza.
2025-09-09 19:47:00
F1 teams prepare for 2026 regulation changes, impacting drivers like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
2025-09-08 10:58:00
New 2026 F1 regulations drive shifts in the driver market, affecting Verstappen, Leclerc, and Antonelli.
2025-09-07 17:34:00
The 2026 F1 regulations are reshaping the driver market, impacting stars like Verstappen and Antonelli.
2025-09-06 22:03:00
F1’s 2026 regulations reshape team strategies, impacting drivers like Verstappen, Leclerc, and Antonelli.
2025-09-06 21:50:00
Charles Leclerc targets a repeat victory at Monza’s Italian Grand Prix, boosting Ferrari’s home crowd.
2025-09-06 20:56:00
Max Verstappen considers Ferrari or Mercedes for 2026, contingent on a championship-competitive car.
2025-09-06 17:51:00
Riccardo Patrese believes Lewis Hamilton may retire in 2026 if Ferrari fails to provide a championship-contending car.
2025-09-06 16:07:00
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc aim to deliver for Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix amid challenges.
2025-09-06 13:35:00
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton aim to overcome setbacks at the Italian Grand Prix.
2025-09-06 13:17:00
Max Verstappen expressed interest in joining Ferrari but only if the team can provide a car capable of winning championships.
2025-09-06 11:54:00
Lewis Hamilton highlighted his record-breaking fastest lap at Monza before his first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari.
2025-09-06 11:35:00
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face a crucial Italian Grand Prix to boost 2025 title chances.
2025-09-06 10:45:00
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face high stakes at Monza to boost 2025 title hopes.
2025-09-05 23:59:00
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face high stakes at the Italian Grand Prix to boost 2025 momentum.
2025-09-05 21:46:00
Jos Verstappen labeled Antonio Perez Garibay an idiot after claims that Sergio Perez was disadvantaged at Red Bull.
2025-09-05 21:05:00
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a historic F1 event, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with practice sessions starting September 5.
2025-09-05 20:36:00
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face pressure to deliver at Monza for Ferrari’s 2025 title bid.
2025-09-05 20:36:00
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli must prove himself in 2026 to secure his F1 future amid early struggles.
2025-09-05 19:51:00
Lewis Hamilton has been given a five-place grid drop for the Italian Grand Prix after failing to slow under double yellow flags at the Dutch Grand Prix.
2025-09-02 19:45:00
British drivers Oliver Bearman and George Russell show strong form in the opening practice sessions of the Dutch Grand Prix.
2025-09-02 16:15:00
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen head into the Italian Grand Prix locked in a fierce title battle, reigniting one of F1’s most intense rivalries.
2025-09-01 22:15:00
Lewis Hamilton gets a five-place penalty for the Italian GP after a double-yellow infraction at Zandvoort; Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur urges composure after a bruising, point-less weekend.
2025-09-01 16:15:00