Antonelli names Verstappen as biggest threat to 2027 title defence

Kimi Antonelli expects Max Verstappen to be the biggest threat to his first title defence in 2027, but predicts a close contest among the leading teams.

The Mercedes driver chose Red Bull’s Verstappen when asked to name one rival who could cause him the most trouble. Verstappen finished second in the 2026 championship after Red Bull’s turnaround; in 2025, he missed the title by two points.

Antonelli’s 2026 campaign brought nine wins and seven additional podiums. He sealed the championship with third place in Mexico City, behind Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli expects the leading teams to be closely matched: Ferrari won twice in 2026 and Lando Norris took three victories for McLaren, although both teams’ form fluctuated. He also included Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Norris among the possible challengers.