Bortoleto Calls for Patience with Antonelli Amid Verstappen Comparisons

Gabriel Bortoleto has expressed his view that it's too soon to draw parallels between Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen, despite the young Mercedes driver's impressive start to the 2026 season. Antonelli, at just 19, has made a remarkable impact, leading the championship standings with a 20-point lead over teammate George Russell after four races. This includes becoming the first driver to convert his first three pole positions into consecutive wins in China, Japan, and Miami.

Bortoleto, who competes for Audi, argues that comparisons to Verstappen, who became F1's youngest race winner at 18 and later secured four consecutive Drivers' Championships, are premature. "Kimi is extremely talented," Bortoleto remarked ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. "But reaching Verstappen's level? Give him time. It's not fair to compare anyone to Max given his achievements and experience."

Reflecting on his own experiences, Bortoleto, who is close in age to Antonelli and has raced against him, feels it's inappropriate to judge someone he considers a peer. "It's not up to me to judge," he said, highlighting their shared journey through the ranks.

Antonelli's early success is a testament to the talent of the current crop of young drivers, including Ollie Bearman, Isack Hadjar, and Bortoleto himself. "It's great to see someone young doing well," he noted, expressing hope that all talented drivers will eventually have the chance to compete at the top.

Both Antonelli and Bortoleto debuted in F1 at the start of 2025, alongside Bearman and Red Bull's Hadjar, following their time in Formula 2 where Bortoleto emerged as the champion. While acknowledging Antonelli's achievements with Mercedes, Bortoleto remains focused on his goals with Audi, having secured the team's sole points with a ninth-place finish in Australia.

When asked if Antonelli's success serves as motivation, Bortoleto was clear: "It's not about motivation; I'm happy for him, but it doesn't change my approach. I have my priorities, my plans, and I'm confident we'll succeed with time and patience."

Bortoleto's comments underscore the importance of allowing young talents the space to grow without undue pressure, while recognizing the accomplishments of their peers.