Ecclestone predicts Antonelli will become like Verstappen in two to three years

Bernie Ecclestone expects Kimi Antonelli to develop into a driver like Max Verstappen within two to three years. He made the prediction after Antonelli clinched the Formula 1 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. At 20 years and 68 days, the Mercedes driver became F1’s youngest world champion, beating Sebastian Vettel’s record by three years.

In an interview with RacingNews365, the former F1 chief executive said he sees the same single-minded drive to win in Antonelli that he associates with Verstappen. Ecclestone acknowledged that he knows Antonelli less well than Verstappen, but said he believes the young champion has yet to show his best.

Ecclestone also compared the drivers’ upbringings. He described Jos Verstappen as strict with Max during his childhood, while saying Marco Antonelli seems more sympathetic and tries to keep Kimi calm. Ecclestone believes the new champion still needs difficult periods to mature.