Andrea Kimi Antonelli is running the show in Formula 1’s 2026 season. Leading the standings, the Mercedes driver headed into the summer break with a commanding 50-point cushion, despite being in only his second season on the grid and yet to turn 20—a milestone he will reach in a matter of days. A surprise? Not to Max Verstappen.
According to Verstappen, Antonelli’s step forward from his rookie campaign to his second year in F1 is exactly what he anticipated from someone with his caliber of talent. The Dutchman even reflected on the young Italian’s career trajectory from its very origins.
“When he was still in karting, you could already tell he was a standout talent,” Verstappen recalled.
“As you move up from junior categories to the more professional levels, you’re always in a continuous growth process. I always tell drivers who are making the transition to cars to race in shifter karts first to learn how to handle gears, racecraft, and starts,” he continued.
“What impressed me most was that in his very first race, he instantly clicked with those heavier machines. When you’re that young, you can spot pure, unadulterated talent right away. And that continued as he moved into cars. He reached F1 very quickly as well, and it’s only natural to make certain mistakes in your first year. I think we all did,” he added, downplaying the youngster’s early missteps.
“Of course, when you drive for a top team [in F1], everything you do is put under a spotlight. But for me, I had zero doubt that he would make that jump after his first year and immediately be consistently competitive,” he concluded.
This is not the first time Verstappen has spoken highly of Antonelli, with whom he maintains a good relationship. Just over a month ago, the four-time World Champion even offered the youngster some advice.
Formula 1 is currently on summer break. The series resumes 2026 season action from August 21 to 23 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
