The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation about a possible switch from Max Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian sensation of the team, has responded to these rumors for the first time. According to a message fromSky ItaliaVerstappen, the four -time world champion, would have reached an agreement with the Silver Arrows to race next to their ranks from 2026. This development has led to intense discussions about who would be the ideal teammate for the Dutchman, with both Antonelli and George Russell and contenders for the second seat. Both drivers have an expiring contract at the end of 2025, and the choice between them is anything but simple.
Antonelli, only eighteen years old, is seen as one of the greatest talents in motorsport. His impressive track record in the junior formulas, with titles in the Italian and German Formula 4 in 2022 and the Regional European Formula in 2023, makes him a promising candidate for the future of Mercedes. His debut season in Formula 1 in 2025 started promising, with a sprint pole in Miami and a stage in Canada, although a crash with Verstappen in Austria underlined his Rookie errors. Nevertheless, Mercedes team chef Toto Wolff continues to express confidence in the young Italian, which he has been following since he was eleven through the junior program. On the other hand, George Russell, a fixed value at Mercedes since 2022, has developed into a reliable leader. With five victories, including a recent triumph in Canada, and nineteen podium places, Russell shows his value as a world -class driver, which makes him a logical choice to ride next to Verstappen.
The rumors about Verstappens switch were fueled by a disappointing season for Red Bull, especially after the Grand Prix of Austria, where Antonelli Verstappen tapped in the opening round of the track, resulting in a DNF for the Dutchman. This incident, combined with McLaren’s technical superiority and Verstappens growing backlog of 61 points at World Cup leader Oscar Piastri, has strengthened the speculation about a switch to Mercedes.SporzaReported that Mercedes is conducting “exploratory talks” with Verstappen, who is still under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but may be able to use a boarding clause. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner trivialized the rumors, and declared oppositeMotorsport.comThat “the rest is noise, and it doesn’t come from us.” Nevertheless, Toto Wolff remains openly interested in Verstappen, which he has had on his radar since 2014.
Antonelli spoke about the situation in an interview withCrash.netDuring the preparations for the Grand Prix of Great Britain on July 6, 2025. “There is clearly a lot going on,” he said. “I am sure that the team will do its best to offer the best for the future, because they are not only looking at next year, but also further ahead. My goal is to do my best anyway.” The Italian emphasized his loyalty to Mercedes and denied conversations with other teams: “No, no, no. I got this chance from Mercedes. There are no conversations with others. I am very happy with where I am and I am also sure what the team wants from.” Antonelli’s focus is on minimizing errors, such as the crash in Austria, and maximizing his performance. “I know that the team has faith in me, so I’m not really worried,” he added.
The speculation about the 2026 drivers also led to warnings from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. In an interview withWould loveHe stated that the linking of Antonelli to Verstappen would be risky for the career of the young Italian, given Verstappen’s dominant presence, which overshadowed earlier teammates.Motorsport-total.comsuggested that Russell, as a “rounded product, would be preferred to Antonelli, while others argue for retaining the Italian as an investment in the future. In the meantime, Russell remains undisturbed and declared oppositeSky SportThat he is loyal to Mercedes and does not fear his position.
While Mercedes thinks about his strategy for 2026, with new regulations that promise a possible resurrection of the team, the future of Verstappen remains uncertain. The rumor mill is running at full speed, but Antonelli’s calm reaction and focus on his own performance show his determination to earn his place, regardless of who will become his teammate. For the time being, the Formula 1 world will continue to wait for tension how this story unfolds.
