Verstappen expects Antonelli to improve further after first F1 title

Max Verstappen expects Kimi Antonelli to keep developing if he wins his first Formula 1 world title. The Red Bull driver says Antonelli has not yet realised all of his potential and that a championship would make him better.

Antonelli can clinch the title in Mexico with eighth place. He could even finish outside the points and still take it if neither George Russell nor Lewis Hamilton wins.

Speaking to Bild Sport, Verstappen said a driver who has reached his life goal can begin race weekends with a more relaxed mindset.

Verstappen said age should no longer be a factor in Formula 1. On Lewis Hamilton, he predicted he probably would not get faster, but stressed he did not mean Hamilton was getting slower. Antonelli, by contrast, still has much more potential to fulfil in Verstappen's view.