The 20-year-old, who became the sport’s youngest-ever world champion in 2026, insists his hunger for victories has intensified since claiming his maiden crown.
Speaking at a press conference in San Marino on Thursday, Antonelli said experiencing championship success had only strengthened his desire to repeat the achievement.
Alongside Verstappen, he identified Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Mercedes team-mate George Russell as potential challengers.
Antonelli anticipates a closely fought contest involving all the leading constructors, with Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari showing strong progress. He hopes to finish 2026 strongly before targeting another successful campaign.
“Despite the victory, I’m perhaps even hungrier than before,” the 20-year-old told a press conference in San Marino.
“Winning is a wonderful feeling – one of the best things that can happen to you – and you just want to keep reliving that moment.
“If anything, my hunger is even greater now: this is only the beginning, and I hope the car will be even more competitive next year.
“The hunger is there; the fire inside is there.
“We’ll aim to win more races, finish 2026 on a high note, and then get off to a strong start in 2027.”
