Could Max Verstappen partner Kimi Antonelli? Helmut Marko gives his opinion
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- Nicole Mulder
A much-discussed name in the Formula 1 paddock at the moment is Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 17-year-old Formula 2 driver seems to have a good chance of becoming Lewis Hamilton's successor at Mercedes in 2025. Does Helmut Marko believe Max Verstappen will become teammates with the young Italian star in the future? The Red Bull Racing advisor has answered.
Marko on Verstappen and Antonelli
Antonelli, who could even make his F1 debut at Williams this year in Logan Sargeant's place, is currently considered a top contender for the seat alongside George Russell for next year. However, that does not mean there is no place for Verstappen within Toto Wolff's team in 2026. The Mercedes team boss has made no secret of the fact that he has his sights set on the Dutchman. Wolff has previously tried to tempt Verstappen to Mercedes and wants the three-time world champion to join the German team in the future.
Asked by OE24 whether he would be in favour of Verstappen and Antonelli together in a team Marko said: "Antonelli is an absolute Mercedes man, so we don't need to think about that," said the 81-year-old Austrian. Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract binds him there until at least 2028, so a possible new challenge for the Dutchman might still be a few years away.
Faced with rumours that George Russell could be sent away from Mercedes to make way for Verstappen, Marko said: "That is still so far away. Now let's concentrate on the next races and make sure we win the world championship again. Our biggest advantage is that the other teams are taking points off each other. I hope that remains the case," Marko said. Any possibility of Verstappen partnering with Antonelli at Mercedes is a dream for the future.