A new scenario has emerged regarding Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, and this time it revolves around young Italian talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Amid the ongoing turmoil at Red Bull Racing following the high-profile departure of Christian Horner, former Haas Team Principal Günther Steiner has suggested that Mercedes should consider placing Max Verstappen in the seat originally intended for Antonelli in 2026.
Red Bull is currently facing one of its most uncertain periods in recent history. In addition to Horner’s exit after two decades of leadership, the team has reportedly suffered multiple behind-the-scenes losses, including key personnel. This has only intensified speculation about Verstappen’s future, particularly as his long-term loyalty to Red Bull appears increasingly fragile.
Verstappen to Replace Antonelli? Steiner’s Bold Suggestion
Speaking on the latest episode of the Formula 1 podcast The Red Flags, Günther Steiner shared his perspective on how Mercedes should handle its 2026 driver line-up. Contrary to recent paddock rumors—which lean toward the idea that George Russell could be the one to make room for Max Verstappen—Steiner argued that Mercedes should retain Russell and instead delay Kimi Antonelli’s full-time promotion.
“Kimi had a good race in Canada,” Steiner acknowledged, “but he hasn’t done many like that yet. George has already won a race and is doing a very good job. He’s a strong leader inside the team.”
In Steiner’s view, the best path to winning the Formula 1 World Championship would be to pair George Russell with Max Verstappen, forming an elite and experienced driver duo, while giving Antonelli the chance to develop further elsewhere.
Antonelli Should Gain Experience Before Joining a Top Team
Steiner suggested that Kimi Antonelli—widely regarded as a future star and backed heavily by Mercedes—would benefit from a year of experience with a midfield team like Williams or Alpine. Such a move, he argued, would allow Antonelli to build his racecraft under less pressure before taking on the challenge of driving for a top team like Mercedes.
“Being in a car capable of winning races, and not winning, could be harmful for a young driver’s development,” Steiner explained. “Antonelli is a very promising talent, but throwing him into a front-running car without enough preparation could backfire.”
This developmental approach echoes similar strategies used by top teams in the past, allowing rising stars to mature gradually before being given championship-level machinery.
Contract Delays and Mercedes’ Strategy
The Mercedes team has not yet confirmed its driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Although George Russell has shown strong and consistent performances throughout the current year, negotiations over his contract extension are reportedly ongoing, with no deal finalized at this stage.
As Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff recently stated, formal announcements regarding the team’s 2026 plans are expected to be made during the upcoming summer break.
During the podcast, Steiner also addressed the rumors surrounding how Wolff is managing the driver situation. “I think Mercedes wants to give Russell a one-year extension in order to bring in Verstappen in 2027,” Steiner said. “But obviously, George doesn’t want just one year—he’s asking for a three-year deal. I don’t know what the final outcome will be, but there are clearly several layers behind what’s going on.”
A Complex Puzzle for Mercedes
If Steiner’s prediction is accurate, Mercedes is preparing for a long-term reshuffle designed to attract Max Verstappen, possibly by using a transitional line-up in 2026. However, balancing the ambitions of George Russell, the readiness of Kimi Antonelli, and the uncertain future of Verstappen at Red Bull creates a complex situation that team boss Toto Wolff must handle delicately.
In the meantime, speculation will continue to grow around Mercedes’ next move—especially if Verstappen’s ties with Red Bull continue to weaken amid the team’s internal restructuring.
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