Key takeaways
- Verstappen as a teammate: Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli expressed that partnering with Max Verstappen would be “stimulating” and a key benchmark for evaluating his own performance level.
- Long-term loyalty: The Italian driver reiterated his commitment to Mercedes, stating he sees the team as family and aims to emulate Verstappen’s status as a franchise pillar.
- Praise for Russell: Antonelli commended current teammate George Russell, highlighting how the Briton’s experience and speed have accelerated his growth in 2026.
The headline news in Formula 1 on Thursday (20) was Max Verstappen’s contract extension with Red Bull through 2030, putting an end to lingering rumors about his immediate future. Speaking to Italian media in Zandvoort, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli admitted the outcome was expected, but reflected on what sharing a garage with the four-time World Champion would be like.
According to Antonelli, facing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber directly is the clearest way to judge one’s true standing in the sport.
“I have to say I expected it. I don’t imagine Max stepping away from F1,” Antonelli began. “I wouldn’t mind having him as a teammate. It would have been very challenging for me, but also stimulating, because competing against the best is the best way to understand your own level.”
To prevent any internal friction at Mercedes, the current championship leader quickly praised George Russell.
“Who knows, maybe one day in the future [we’ll partner]… But I am very happy with Russell as a teammate because he is an experienced and very fast driver who has helped me grow during this time,” he continued.
Looking ahead, Antonelli expressed a desire to build a long career with Brackley, drawing parallels to Verstappen’s tenure with Red Bull.
“Mercedes is like family to me. I can see myself here for a long time; it would be great to become a symbol for the team just like Max is at Red Bull. Thinking about the distant future, who knows, never say never, but what I want is to win with Mercedes,” he concluded.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch Grand Prix — the 12th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all the track action live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, August 21 – 12:30 | 10:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday, August 21 – 16:00 | 14:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday, August 22 – 11:30 | 09:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States
- United States (Eastern Time / ET)
- Broadcaster: Apple TV
- Free Practice 1: Friday, August 21 – 06:30 ET
- Free Practice 2: Friday, August 21 – 10:00 ET
- Free Practice 3: Saturday, August 22 – 05:30 ET
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 22 – 09:00 ET
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Who currently leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings?
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with 219 points, holding a lead ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
2. What did Antonelli say about his relationship with George Russell?
Antonelli praised Russell as an experienced, fast driver who has significantly aided his development throughout his debut season with Mercedes.
3. Has Kimi Antonelli received grid penalties for upcoming races?
Yes. Antonelli confirmed he will face a grid penalty at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza due to an engine component change on his Mercedes W17.
