Brundle: Verstappen would threaten Antonelli if points gap were smaller

Martin Brundle says Max Verstappen's 2026 late-season charge would make him a formidable threat to Kimi Antonelli if the points gap were smaller, drawing a comparison with Verstappen's 2025 pursuit of Lando Norris.

Verstappen goes into the United States Grand Prix after winning the last two rounds, in Malaysia and Singapore. He is fourth on 221 points, 119 behind leader Antonelli on 340. If Antonelli wins in Texas, Verstappen's title hopes will be mathematically over regardless of his own result.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Brundle compared the charge with Verstappen's 2025 campaign: he clawed back an 88-point deficit to Norris before falling two points short in Abu Dhabi.

Brundle also praised Red Bull's development of the car and power unit. He said Verstappen seemed happy and could still find a tenth or two, and described him as the man to beat.