Antonelli names the F1 rival he fears most ahead of 2027 title defence
Photo: Red Bull Content pool
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Kimi Antonelli has identified Max Verstappen as his biggest potential rival for the 2027 championship, with the newly crowned champion anticipating a much closer battle at the front of the grid next season.
The Mercedes driver has already secured his maiden world title with three races remaining, but believes the competitive landscape could look considerably different in 2027.
Although Mercedes has dominated much of the current campaign, the gap to its closest rivals has narrowed as the season has progressed. Red Bull, in particular, has made significant strides, with Verstappen emerging as an increasingly competitive force.
Speaking during a press conference in San Marino, Antonelli was asked which driver he considers the biggest threat to his title defence in 2027, with the Italian singling out the four-time world champion: "If I have to choose one driver, I'd say Max, the one who might cause the most problems."
Photo: Race Pictures
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Antonelli expects closer battle with Red Bull in 2027
Verstappen's performances during the second half of the season have caught Antonelli's attention, particularly as Red Bull has continued to improve its car through a series of upgrades.
The Dutchman's recovery from 21st on the grid to second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix provided another indication of the team's progress, although Mercedes ultimately secured the Constructors' Championship at Interlagos.
Antonelli believes several teams are now operating at a similar level, making it difficult to predict who will hold the advantage when the new season begins.
"I think next year will be a very close fight among all of us, among all the top teams, because we are already very close. Looking at Red Bull too, with all the upgrades they have brought, they have kept improving. McLaren had a period when they made huge gains, then a spell when they perhaps struggled more, but now they have bounced back. Ferrari is always there."
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Antonelli also expects Russell, Norris, Hamilton and Leclerc to challenge
While Verstappen stands out as the most dangerous individual opponent in Antonelli's eyes, the Mercedes youngster is hoping for a championship fight involving several drivers.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes teammate George Russell could all feature in the battle, with the Italian expecting the leading teams to remain closely matched.
"It would be amazing to have a fight among all of us from the top teams, including Lewis, Charles, my teammate, Max and Lando. I think it will be a very close fight."
Russell could also prove a particularly significant rival for Antonelli, with the two set to continue their partnership at Mercedes next season. The Briton remains involved in the battle for second place in the championship, sitting 17 points behind Verstappen following the Brazilian Grand Prix.
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