Kimi Antonelli played down suggestions that he could drive for Ferrari in the future as he claimed he could spend his entire career with Mercedes. The 20-year-old Italian has exceeded all expectations to lead the Drivers' Championship by 59 points after 12 rounds of just his second season in Formula 1. Antonelli's superb 2026 form has seen his popularity grow massively in Italy, creating a potential dilemma for the home fans at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix who would usually be loyal to Ferrari.
Asked about expectations that he could join Ferrari later in his career, Antonelli said: "Being an Italian myself, I know how emotional we are and how excited we can get about things. Sometimes overly excited. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "Of course, there will always be this kind of talk but, at the end of the day, as much as Ferrari is massive, incredible brand, I am very happy where I am.
"I am very happy with Mercedes because they are the ones who have given me the opportunity since I was a kid and I feel like I have so much to give back to them. Got to live with that." Antonelli was later asked for his views on Max Verstappen's recent decision to sign a contract extension with Red Bull, who similarly signed the Dutchman as a teenager. Verstappen was 17 when he was given a drive at Red Bull's then junior squad Toro Rosso in 2015, before promoted into the senior team during the following season.
The 2026 season is Verstappen's 10th full campaign with Red Bull, and Antonelli foresees a similar future for himself with Mercedes. "I think Max has an incredible relationship with Red Bull," Antonelli said. "Also, they were the one to put him in a car at a very young age.
They were the one to put the trust. "I feel like he's happy in the team, from what I can see. And he probably feels like wanting to stay with them.
He probably believes as well in this project. So, I think he has all the reasons and all the rights to stay with Red Bull. "And if one day he wants to change, then it's going to be up to him.
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