Intense speculation surrounded Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, fueled by Red Bull’s recent performance issues. This led to uncertainty about whether George Russell or rookie Kimi Antonelli would lose their race seats if Verstappen moved to Brackley. However, the Dutch driver confirmed he would remain with Red Bull in Milton Keynes, but experts like F1 TV analyst James Hinchliffe have commented on what might have happened to Antonelli had Verstappen switched teams.
Impact of Verstappen’s Possible Move on Mercedes Drivers
George Russell has driven for Mercedes since 2022 but has yet to mount a serious challenge for the world title, with hopes for a breakthrough this season waning. In contrast, Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old rookie and long-term Mercedes-backed talent, has shown promise in his debut year. Despite his speed, the young driver faced uncertainty about his future if Verstappen joined Mercedes, as the reigning four-time world champion is known for decisively outperforming teammates.
Russell reportedly explored conversations with other teams amid fears he might be replaced, though he downplayed concerns over contract delays, suggesting negotiations were progressing. The bigger risk, according to analysts, was to Antonelli’s career, whose lack of experience could be overshadowed by Verstappen’s dominant presence.
Expert Analysis on Kimi Antonelli’s Career Prospects
James Hinchliffe recalled the peak of rumors linking Verstappen to Mercedes and expressed doubt that team principal Toto Wolff would prioritize Antonelli’s development over signing Verstappen. Hinchliffe argued that placing Verstappen alongside Antonelli—still early in his F1 journey—would likely have resulted in the rookie being overwhelmed and potentially sidelined from the sport.
“When all the rumours were going around about Max maybe going to Mercedes, I remember thinking like, ‘oh, Toto [Wolff] doesn’t care about Kimi Antonelli’, because you will end his career if you put Max beside him. And it’s nothing on Kimi. Nobody has been able to survive alongside him.”
—James Hinchliffe, F1 TV Analyst
How Red Bull’s Team Dynamics Revolve Around Verstappen
Red Bull’s success in the ground-effect era has heavily centered on Max Verstappen as their lead driver, with teammate Sergio Perez often playing a secondary role. Hinchliffe highlighted how the team’s setup and car development have been tailored to Verstappen’s driving style, limiting Perez’s opportunities to compete equally.
With recent changes at Red Bull, including new leadership and mindset shifts, there is some hope for a broader competitive window that might allow both drivers to fight at the front more effectively. Nevertheless, Verstappen has consistently denied notions of team orders limiting teammates’ chances.
“It’s an interesting question because obviously the current generation car was really built around Max. Checo [Perez] was the second driver at the time. So maybe with a bit of a different mindset, it’ll leave the setup window a little bit bigger, the performance window a little bit bigger and give the team a better shot at having both drivers competing at the front. It’s very possible but we just don’t know.”
—James Hinchliffe, F1 TV Analyst
Current Season Standing and Future Outlook
The 2025 Formula 1 season is now past its halfway point, with ten races remaining. Max Verstappen is currently out of contention for the drivers’ championship, as McLaren leads the pack in an unexpected twist. Despite this, Verstappen remains determined to fight for every available point and improve his standing by the season’s end.
The situation surrounding Kimi Antonelli’s early career reflects broader tensions in Formula 1, where emerging talents can face immense pressure when competing against established champions. Verstappen’s dominance underscores the challenges teams and young drivers encounter when balancing performance and development within top-tier teams like Mercedes and Red Bull.
