Andrea Kimi Antonelli has hinted he would be open to being team-mates with Max Verstappen at Mercedes should the team opt to pair the two together in Formula 1.
Mercedes’ engagement in renewed discussions with Verstappen’s entourage about a possible move has cast doubt over the side’s incumbent line-up in recent weeks.
The German marque securing the reigning F1 champion’s prized signature would ensure that either Antonelli or current partner George Russell would be moved aside.
Antonelli, who took his maiden podium in his rookie season in Canada last month, has expressed that he harbours no concerns that he could be in line to be replaced.
The Italian is also adamant that he would be prepared to go up against Verstappen, though he emphasised how invaluable his experience alongside Russell has been.
When asked whether he would favour Russell or Verstappen as his potential team-mate at Mercedes in 2026, Antonelli told Sky Sports F1: “I don’t mind.
“To be honest, they are two very good drivers. I’m very happy with George. I’m finding that there is a really good dynamic in the team at the moment.”
Mercedes warned against Antonelli-Verstappen combination
Meanwhile, ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle has questioned whether having Verstappen in the opposing garage would have an adverse impact on Antonelli’s development.
Verstappen has annihilated his stablemates since Daniel Ricciardo departed in 2018, prompting the second Red Bull seat to become renowned as a poisoned chalice.
“I think Mercedes and Toto, in particular, are so invested in Kimi Antonelli as the future star, and I know that George has been making contact with other teams,” Brundle said.
“Would they want to risk putting Antonelli, their future star, up against Max Verstappen? Max has broken a lot of team-mates because of speed.
“Would they want to lose George Russell? One of their own, who they manage.
“And Max comes with a little bit of baggage – it’s not the easiest group to handle. And he’s broken his team-mates.
“We’ll have to wait and see exactly how that plays out.
“But I can see why… if you’re running a Formula 1 team and Verstappen is in the marketplace, you’ve got to consider hiring him.”
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