Verstappen Praises Antonelli's "Impressive" Rookie F1 Season

Max Verstappen has commended Formula 1 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for an “impressive” showing, particularly in the latter part of his debut season with Mercedes. Despite an inconsistent start to 2025, Antonelli has shown significant improvement, culminating in a series of strong performances and podium finishes.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's high praise for Antonelli highlights the young driver's burgeoning potential and resilience, signaling that he could be a significant force in F1's future. For Mercedes, Antonelli's development is crucial as they look to build their next generation of talent and maintain competitiveness at the sharp end of the grid.

The details:

• Antonelli's 2025 season began with promising results, including five points finishes in his first six races and a sprint pole in Miami.
• However, a mid-season slump saw him score only one podium (third in Canada) in seven races, interspersed with rookie mistakes such as a practice incident at the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Late Season Surge: The 19-year-old found his stride towards the end of the year, securing podium finishes in his last three races: second in both the Brazil sprint and grand prix, and third in Las Vegas.
• Las Vegas Recovery: At the Las Vegas GP, Antonelli executed a remarkable recovery drive, climbing from 17th on the grid to fourth. Despite a five-second penalty for a jump start, he ultimately secured third place following the disqualification of two McLaren drivers.
• Verstappen's Reaction: After the Las Vegas race, Verstappen was seen congratulating Antonelli. When asked about it, Verstappen remarked on Antonelli's ability to manage his tires and his strong performance on unfamiliar tracks.
• Similarities to Verstappen: There are notable parallels between Verstappen's and Antonelli's early F1 careers, both being fast-tracked teenagers who showcased immense raw pace alongside occasional mistakes. This shared experience might explain Verstappen's supportive attitude toward Antonelli.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's endorsement carries significant weight, as he recognizes the challenges and pressures of being a young driver in F1. His comments about Antonelli's tire management and quick adaptation to new circuits underscore the rookie's maturity and natural talent, suggesting he's learning quickly from his early-season inconsistencies.

What's next:

Antonelli, currently seventh in the championship, will aim to carry this late-season momentum into the next season, building on the lessons learned and the praise received. His continued development will be keenly watched by Mercedes and the wider F1 community, as he looks to fulfill the high expectations set for him and consistently challenge for top positions.