Kimi Antonelli Labels Max Verstappen a 'Cannibal' as Title Hunt Intensifies
Kimi Antonelli has dubbed Max Verstappen a "cannibal" as the Red Bull driver continues his fierce hunt for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the F1 drivers' championship. Despite a significant points deficit with only three rounds left, Antonelli warns that Verstappen, a four-time champion and long-time benchmark, can never be written off. The Mercedes driver also touched on the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, emphasizing the reset it will bring for all teams and the increased importance of driver energy management.
Kimi Antonelli has branded Max Verstappen a "cannibal" as the Red Bull driver continues his pursuit of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the F1 drivers' championship. With just three rounds remaining, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen aims to close the gap on the McLaren duo, despite being 25 points behind Piastri and 49 points adrift of championship leader Norris.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen, a four-time F1 drivers' champion, has been the benchmark in Formula 1 for years. His relentless pursuit, even when facing significant point deficits, underscores his competitive drive and makes him a perennial threat. Antonelli's "cannibal" label highlights the respect and fear he commands, suggesting that despite McLaren's strong position, Verstappen cannot be counted out of any championship fight.
The details:
- Championship Standings: Lando Norris currently leads the F1 drivers' championship. Oscar Piastri holds a 25-point lead over Verstappen, while Norris is 49 points ahead of the Dutchman.
- Remaining Races: Only three rounds are left in the season, making Verstappen's task to secure a fifth consecutive title a considerable challenge.
- Antonelli's Prediction: When asked by German publication Blick about the 2026 competitive balance, Antonelli shifted focus to the ongoing 2025 title fight. He stated, "Norris is the favourite, Piastri still has chances, just like the cannibal Verstappen — because you can never write him off." He emphasized Verstappen's consistent performance as "the benchmark for everything."
- 2026 Regulations Overhaul: The discussion also touched upon the significant changes to power unit and chassis regulations coming in 2026. Mercedes, Antonelli's team, is widely anticipated to potentially gain an advantage, similar to their success in 2014 when power unit rules last changed.
Looking Ahead:
The looming 2026 regulation changes represent a fresh start for all teams and drivers, regardless of their current standing or experience.
- New Era: Antonelli noted, "No one knows exactly what awaits them." He expressed anticipation for the challenge of driving a different car with a new engine.
- Energy Management: Antonelli believes that in 2026, drivers will have increased control over energy management, which he sees as a "crucial function" and a "huge opportunity for everyone in the fight with their rivals."
- Reset Button: His assertion that "everyone starts from zero" in 2026 underlines the potential for a significant shake-up in the F1 hierarchy, offering a clean slate for all competitors.