Verstappen had no doubt Antonelli would “make the jump” in second season of Formula 1

Max Verstappen has expressed that he had no doubts Andrea Kimi Antonelli would make a significant step forward in his second Formula 1 season, citing the young driver's standout talent visible even during his karting days. Verstappen noted Antonelli's impressive progression, having skipped Formula 3 entirely and completing only a single Formula 2 season before reaching F1. Antonelli's first F1 season included a mid-season slump, but Verstappen's comments, published on July 16, 2026, reflect confidence in the Italian driver's continued development.