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Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli would relish a future title fight with Verstappen

Archive photograph: Kimi Antonelli · 2025-10-17Archive photo · 2025-10-17 · Kuyper · CC BY-SA 4.0

The newly crowned F1 champion expects a formidable challenge against his friend Max Verstappen, but says a future duel could help him measure his own level.

Kimi Antonelli would relish a future fight with Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 title, though he expects it to be extremely tough against the four-time champion. He believes the contest could help him measure his own level and show how their relationship develops when they race each other.

Antonelli clinched his first F1 title in Mexico several races before the end of the 2026 season. He described Verstappen as a good friend, but said both would want to win once they were competing.

Antonelli also sees Red Bull as more competitive again in the second half of 2026. He said it would be interesting to see where the drivers stood at the start of 2027.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEAntonelli maakt zich op voor 'ongelofelijk zwaar' gevecht met VerstappenRacingNews365 Nederland