'Verstappen is like this' - Former F1 driver backs 'arrogant' Antonelli for title

The young Italian has taken a remarkable step forward this season, exceeding expectations across the paddock. Antonelli has claimed four of the five victories on offer so far and now holds a commanding 43-point lead over his teammate in the championship standings. His advantage was further boosted by the Briton's retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix, which came while the pair were locked in a fierce battle for the race win.

With 17 races still remaining - pending any decision on whether one of the cancelled Middle East events will be rescheduled - Antonelli can hardly afford to start thinking too far ahead. Nevertheless, he heads into the upcoming rounds with a sizeable advantage in hand and the knowledge that, for now at least, it is Russell who faces the pressure of having to claw back the deficit.

Speaking to a betting site, Patrese said Antonelli's mentality has undergone a noticeable transformation compared to previous seasons. According to the former F1 driver, the Mercedes youngster has become far more confident and self-assured, adopting the kind of mindset often associated with the sport's most successful champions, including Verstappen, Schumacher and Senna.

Patrese acknowledged that the title fight could still be influenced by factors such as reliability and the progress made by rival teams throughout the remainder of the season. He pointed to McLaren's significant step forward, particularly in Miami, where Norris emerged as a serious contender. Despite those uncertainties, however, Patrese admitted that if he were forced to put money on one driver to come out on top, his choice would be Antonelli.

Fresh off being awarded the 2026 Bandini Trophy, the championship leader addressed the possibility of one day racing for Ferrari, refusing to completely dismiss the idea while reiterating his commitment to Mercedes. Speaking during the event in Brisighella, he was asked whether he could eventually follow in the footsteps of other homegrown drivers by making the switch to Maranello. Antonelli acknowledged Ferrari's unique status within F1, describing the Scuderia as a team that continues to hold a special place in the sport's legacy.

Despite that admiration, the Mercedes driver emphasised that his immediate future lies elsewhere. Having progressed through the Silver Arrows' junior programme and reached Formula 1 with their backing, Antonelli underlined his desire to repay that faith by fighting for victories and championships in Mercedes colours.

While he refused to completely close the door on any future scenario, he stressed that his full focus remains on building a successful career with the Brackley-based team: "We're talking about a great team, a brand that will always be part of history. Never say never. But right now I'm happy at Mercedes, and my goal is to win as much as possible with them."