Max Verstappen has played down comparisons between himself and newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli, joking that the biggest difference between them is his inability to speak Italian. The Red Bull driver nevertheless praised the 20-year-old Mercedes star’s remarkable achievement, while explaining why their respective journeys to the top of Formula 1 cannot be directly compared.
Antonelli arrived in the Interlagos paddock for the Brazilian Grand Prix with all eyes on him, proudly wearing a cap featuring the number 1. After winning his first Formula 1 world championship the previous Sunday, the Italian has found himself at the centre of countless interviews, debates and discussions. His success has also prompted comparisons with some of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history, both past and present.
Although Antonelli has already demonstrated many of the qualities associated with a champion, some of those comparisons have appeared excessive. Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged caution as excitement continues to grow around the young Italian’s historic achievement.
Max Verstappen jokes about differences with Kimi Antonelli
During the pre-race press conference at Interlagos, journalists put the question to Max Verstappen, himself a former Formula 1 prodigy who made his debut at an exceptionally young age. The Dutchman initially dismissed the comparisons with his trademark humour before offering a more serious assessment of Antonelli’s success.
“The difference between Kimi and me? I don’t speak Italian,” Verstappen said with a laugh.
“I don’t think you can compare our careers. I started at 17, but I didn’t have a championship-winning car straight away. That takes nothing away from what he’s done, though. It’s impressive.”
Verstappen’s comments highlighted an important distinction between the two drivers’ early Formula 1 careers. While the Dutchman entered the championship at just 17 years old, Antonelli has been able to fight for the world title with Mercedes in only his second season at the highest level.
The Italian’s rapid rise has attracted enormous attention, with his championship victory marking the culmination of a remarkable campaign. Antonelli has already reflected on the emotions of becoming world champion, while making it clear that he considers this achievement only the beginning of his Formula 1 journey.
Verstappen recalls his F1 title celebrations with amusing admission
Max Verstappen also found an opportunity to joke about a recent remark from Antonelli, who had complained about the number of media commitments that followed his world championship victory. Asked about his own experience of becoming champion, the Red Bull driver offered a characteristically candid response.
“I don’t remember anything about the following day. I was too drunk,” Verstappen joked.
However, the Dutchman quickly returned to a more serious tone, acknowledging the demands placed on a newly crowned Formula 1 champion and expressing confidence that Antonelli would remain grounded despite his success.
“Obviously, in the days afterwards, you have lots of events to attend, but you’re still on a high from winning. Kimi is a humble guy. Success won’t change him.”
Verstappen’s assessment offered a positive perspective on Antonelli’s future, despite his reluctance to draw direct comparisons between their careers. Rather than placing the Mercedes driver alongside established Formula 1 greats, he preferred to recognise the scale of the achievement while highlighting the personal qualities he believes will remain unchanged.
With Antonelli having already explained his decision not to race with the number 1 in 2027, attention is increasingly turning towards what comes next for the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
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