Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen finds it impossible to dislike Andrea Kimi Antonelli because the Red Bull driver sees his younger self in the Mercedes star. The former Formula 1 driver has highlighted the mutual respect between the two talents, suggesting that their relationship reflects the similarities between their early careers.
Despite competing against each other on track, Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli appear to share an unusually positive relationship. Even an incident at the Austrian Grand Prix failed to create lasting tension between them, raising the question of whether a genuine rivalry could ever develop.
Why Max Verstappen sees his younger self in Kimi Antonelli
“I don’t know why he likes me so much, but it’s definitely better to have him on my side than against me.” With characteristic honesty, Andrea Kimi Antonelli acknowledged the rather unusual relationship he enjoys with Max Verstappen.
The Dutch driver appears to have genuine respect for the young Italian. One particularly telling example came at the Austrian Grand Prix a year ago, when the then-rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed into Max Verstappen at Turn 3 on the opening lap at the Red Bull Ring.
Despite the dramatic collision, Max Verstappen did not express any particular resentment towards the Mercedes youngster, demonstrating a level of understanding that has continued to characterise their relationship.
Juan Pablo Montoya explains the bond between Verstappen and Antonelli
According to Juan Pablo Montoya, the explanation is relatively simple: Max Verstappen recognises something of his own younger self in Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Speaking to Thunderpick, the Colombian former Formula 1 driver suggested that the similarities between their experiences make it difficult for the Dutchman to feel any animosity towards his younger rival.
“There has never been any friction between Antonelli and Verstappen,” Juan Pablo Montoya said. “Of course, you always want to be number one, but it’s difficult not to like Kimi when he’s just a young kid living his dream, a bit like Max was a few years ago. It’s impossible for Verstappen to dislike Kimi because he sees his younger self from a few years ago.”
Could their relationship change in the 2027 F1 championship?
For now, the relationship between Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains one of mutual respect rather than personal rivalry. However, it remains to be seen whether that dynamic will continue if the two drivers find themselves fighting directly for the Formula 1 world championship.
The 2027 season could provide the first real test of that relationship. If a world title is at stake between them, the friendly understanding that currently exists could face a very different challenge.
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