Antonelli’s step up to Formula 1 with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team came after just one season in Formula 2, with the Italian also skipping Formula 3 entirely.
That fast-tracked promotion raised eyebrows across the paddock, but his performances have quickly silenced doubts.
His debut season has not been without challenges. Antonelli struggled during the European leg of the campaign last year, scoring just three points across a difficult run. But his form has shifted sharply since the introduction of new power unit regulations, where he has emerged as one of the standout performers on the grid.
With multiple pole positions and race wins already recorded, the 19-year-old has now become a genuine force at the front of the field and is piling pressure on team-mate George Russell, who had initially been seen as a leading title contender for the 2026 season.
Red Bull’s Verstappen was asked whether Antonelli had the tools to become a world champion in the future, and he made his view clear.
“Yeah, for sure,” Verstappen said. “You see a few guys grow up from younger categories that have something special and when they switch categories, they are immediately quick. I think that was quite clear with Kimi, so that was not a surprise.”
He added that raw talent alone is not enough in Formula 1, stressing the importance of development and machinery.
“Once you get to Formula 1, it’s not only talent. Things have to come together. You need to become a more all-around driver and you need to have the package to be able to do it. This year he’s showing that when he has a package that can do it, he is delivering.”
Antonelli now heads into the next phase of the season with growing momentum and increased expectation, as the grid prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from 12-14 June.
