The idea that young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli could leave the Mercedes Formula 1 team to make room for three-time world champion Max Verstappen seems highly implausible. The context around this speculation is complex and rooted in recent dramatic developments at Red Bull Racing. The Austrian team has recently parted ways with long-time Team Principal Christian Horner. After more than twenty years at the helm in Milton Keynes, the British manager is now gone. The reasons behind his departure are varied, and have been previously analyzed in dedicated reports. One of the key factors was Max Verstappen’s growing demand for a clearer distribution of responsibilities within the Red Bull structure.
Verstappen Gets His Way
The relationship between Christian Horner—often dubbed the “Spice Boy”—and the four-time world champion in question had significantly deteriorated. In fact, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, had hinted at the internal tensions long before they erupted publicly. Over time, Red Bull began to collapse from the inside. Horner’s tendency to centralize power—to the extent of wanting the final say on every matter, even something as trivial as the day’s lunch menu—became unsustainable.
This leadership style was no longer accepted by many within the organization, including Max Verstappen, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, and legendary designer Adrian Newey. As for Newey, a brief aside: the working environment at Aston Martin, where he currently serves, has reportedly become toxic. The British engineer has refused to contribute to the development of the AMR25, and as a result, the car is underperforming. Meanwhile, Andy Cowell is managing two projects simultaneously, while team owner Lawrence Stroll’s frustration has reached boiling point in Silverstone.
Returning to Verstappen, the Dutch driver has successfully secured the freedom he wanted within Red Bull. He now has full control and the ideal conditions to stay with the team—something we have reported on for several weeks. However, the renewed interest from Mercedes, particularly for the 2026 season, has added a layer of intrigue. The Brackley-based squad appears to be well-positioned for the next generation of power units, with a highly promising half-hybrid engine that could become a decisive advantage under the new regulations.
Mercedes Provides Strong Support for Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli is currently navigating his rookie season in Formula 1. Over the course of twelve races, he has already demonstrated flashes of the raw talent that brought him into the spotlight, even though full maturity is understandably still some distance away. Given his young age and limited experience in the top tier of motorsport, such growing pains are expected. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed unwavering belief in the Italian driver from Bologna, firmly convinced that Antonelli has the potential to become a future Formula 1 world champion.
Toto Wolff consistently defends and protects Antonelli, and the young driver is well aware that this support is not simply out of goodwill, but a strategic commitment made by Wolff. Antonelli has already delivered standout performances, including a pole position during the Miami Sprint Race where he outpaced seasoned competitors, and a remarkable podium finish in Canada after keeping both McLaren drivers at bay.
Before and after those moments, Antonelli has encountered various issues—some related to his own mistakes, others to inexperience or bad luck, especially in terms of reliability problems. With this context in mind, some have speculated that if Max Verstappen were to make the move to Mercedes, Antonelli could be temporarily reassigned to Alpine for the 2025 season. While not a definitive farewell, it would certainly be a setback in terms of prestige. But would such a move really make sense? And what about George Russell—would he be retained instead?
In the scenario where Verstappen does join Mercedes, Russell would likely be better equipped to handle the immediate challenge of being his teammate. Interestingly, the narrative around Russell has shifted—from initially suggesting he might be dropped to make room for Max Verstappen, to now potentially forming a high-profile driver pairing with the Dutchman. Yet something doesn’t add up. George Russell’s current contract is set to expire, and while Mercedes has offered him a new deal—reportedly a one-year extension with an option for a second, and an exit clause favoring the team—he has not yet signed it.
Antonelli’s Demotion Would Be a Risky and Unnecessary Move
George Russell likely believes he deserves better treatment, having carried the team through three and a half difficult seasons. Since the introduction of the ground-effect “wing car” era, Mercedes has consistently struggled to deliver a truly competitive car. The core question now is: is a Verstappen–Russell duo realistic? The answer seems to be no. The two drivers do not get along, and that’s putting it mildly.
There is no mutual respect between them. They simply do not like each other. This, more than anything, makes it hard to believe that Antonelli will be pushed aside. Add to that Toto Wolff’s unwavering commitment to him, the fact that Mercedes handpicked Antonelli as a long-term investment, and it becomes clear that Mercedes is unlikely to give up on their rising star. Sending him to Alpine, where Flavio Briatore’s influence is growing, would be a serious downgrade—one that may not even pay off. Stepping a young driver down a level after introducing him to the Formula 1 elite can do more harm than good, especially when he has already tasted life at the top.
Such a move could potentially damage Antonelli’s self-confidence. Regardless of Verstappen’s future plans—which, for now, suggest he may stay at Red Bull—it is too early to draw conclusions. What seems most probable is that Mercedes will not “shelve” Antonelli, even if Verstappen ultimately decides to switch teams. The picture should become clearer after the races in Belgium and Hungary, where the situation is expected to evolve.
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