Kimi Antonelli has identified Max Verstappen as his biggest rival for the 2027 Formula 1 season, following the Red Bull driver’s impressive late-season resurgence. With three victories in the last five Grands Prix, Max Verstappen has emerged as the driver the Mercedes world champion expects to pose the greatest threat to his title defence.
Mercedes’ dominant start to the 2026 campaign allowed Andrea Kimi Antonelli to build a substantial points advantage, which he successfully managed during the second half of the championship as his rivals fought back. Red Bull has made particularly significant progress in recent weeks thanks to its latest upgrade package, helping Max Verstappen return to the front of the field.
Why Kimi Antonelli sees Max Verstappen as his main 2027 F1 rival
Max Verstappen has claimed three victories in the last five Grands Prix. His resurgence came too late to challenge Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 world championship, but it has put him in contention for second place in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
More importantly, the Dutchman’s recent performances have sent a clear message to the rest of the grid that he intends to be a serious contender again in 2027. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is well aware of that threat and has singled out Max Verstappen as the driver he expects to cause him the most difficulties next season.
Antonelli predicts a close battle between Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari
Despite identifying Max Verstappen as his main challenger, Andrea Kimi Antonelli believes the battle for the 2027 championship could involve all the leading Formula 1 teams. The Mercedes driver also expects his team-mate George Russell to perform more consistently at his best level, while recognising the progress made by Red Bull and McLaren.
“I think all the top teams will be strong, and I also think my team-mate will be more consistently at his level. In 2027, there will be a very close fight between all of us, because we’re already very close together now. Red Bull has kept improving with all the upgrades it has introduced. McLaren had a period when it made huge progress, then struggled, but now it has recovered. And Ferrari is always there…” Andrea Kimi Antonelli said when discussing next season.
The Mercedes champion also made it clear that he would welcome a championship fight involving Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, alongside George Russell and the other leading contenders.
“It would be fantastic to have a fight between all of us from the top teams, including Lewis, Charles and George. I think it will be a very close battle, but if I have to choose the driver who will give me the most trouble, I’d say Verstappen.”
Could Antonelli and Verstappen become direct championship rivals?
There is considerable mutual respect between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver has repeatedly praised the young Italian for his driving ability and the consistency he demonstrated throughout the 2026 world championship, which culminated in Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first Formula 1 world title.
However, the two drivers have never fought directly against each other for the championship. With Max Verstappen returning to winning form and Andrea Kimi Antonelli preparing to defend his crown, a future head-to-head title battle could test the nature of their relationship.
More news about Antonelli and the 2027 F1 championship
- Toto Wolff praises Kimi Antonelli following his world championship victory
- Why Kimi Antonelli will not race with number 1 in 2027
- Kimi Antonelli reveals Toto Wolff’s warning after Mercedes clash with George Russell
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