Antonelli says 'I don't mind' on having Verstappen as his teammate over Russell

Current Mercedes driver George Russell shocked the paddock after he revealed that Mercedes and Max Verstappen are currently "in the middle of conversations." This followed questions over why the Brit has yet to receive a contract extension from his team.

When Kimi Antonelli was asked by Sky Sports's Ted Kravitz if he had a preference between Russell and Verstappen as a potential teammate next season, the Italian didn’t entertain the hype as he spoke to the media: “I don’t mind. To be honest they are two very good drivers.”

The teenager highlighted the strength of the current partnership: “I’m very happy with George. I’m finding that there is a really good dynamic in the team at the moment.”

While Antonelli kept his answer neutral, the endorsement of Russell and the existing team chemistry could be seen as a subtle vote for continuity over disruption. Mercedes has made no secret of its belief in Antonelli’s long-term potential.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's comments added another layer to the ongoing speculation, as he not only reaffirmed Red Bull’s confidence in Verstappen’s long-term contract but also pointed to Russell’s unresolved future at Mercedes as a possible source of the rumours.