Antonelli expected Verstappen to remain a difficult rival through 2026 and probably in 2027

Max Verstappen beat Kimi Antonelli to win the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. His victory was largely untroubled despite difficult conditions, and Antonelli said he expected Verstappen to remain a difficult rival through the end of 2026 and probably in 2027.

In comments to Sky Italia, Antonelli said he enjoyed racing Verstappen and saw a major battle between them as possible. He said he would need to work hard, pointing to Verstappen's strong weekend in Malaysia and what he saw as Red Bull's significant step forward with the car.

Red Bull's updates were working at Sepang, while Mercedes still had work to do with its new package. Antonelli and George Russell had yet to find the right feel at the circuit. Antonelli said he would do his best and try to win as many races as possible before the end of 2026.