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.
F1 teams prepare for 2026 regulation changes, impacting drivers like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
New 2026 F1 regulations drive shifts in the driver market, affecting Verstappen, Leclerc, and Antonelli.
The 2026 F1 regulations are reshaping the driver market, impacting stars like Verstappen and Antonelli.
F1’s 2026 regulations reshape team strategies, impacting drivers like Verstappen, Leclerc, and Antonelli.
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The Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a historic F1 event, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with practice sessions starting September 5.
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