Source: Official Team Post via X
Max Verstappen's Late Season Surge Puts Mercedes on Alert for 2027
Kimi Antonelli sees Max Verstappen as his main rival for the 2027 F1 title after the Dutchman's strong finish to the 2026 season. Mercedes acknowledges Red Bull's improvements, setting the stage for a competitive battle next year.
Mercedes is keeping a close eye on Max Verstappen, who is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the 2027 Formula 1 season. Kimi Antonelli, fresh off securing his first championship, has already identified Verstappen as the driver most likely to challenge his title defense. Antonelli clinched the championship with an impressive season, becoming the youngest champion at just 20 years and 68 days. However, much of his success stemmed from Mercedes' early-season dominance, marked by five consecutive wins between China and Monaco.
Since the summer break, the competition has been gaining ground. Red Bull, led by Verstappen, has been particularly strong, culminating in three victories in the last five races. This late-season surge has propelled Verstappen to second in the standings, though he remains 111 points behind Antonelli. When asked about his main rival for next year, Antonelli didn't hesitate: "If I have to choose one driver, I’d say Max, as the one who might cause the most problems."
Aside from Red Bull, Antonelli also anticipates challenges from McLaren, who recently won in Brazil with a suite of upgrades, and the ever-present Ferrari. "Next year will be a very close fight among all of us, among all the top teams, because we are already very close," Antonelli remarked. "Red Bull has been improving with their upgrades, McLaren had a period of huge gains, and Ferrari is always there."
Antonelli is not only wary of Verstappen but is also excited about the prospect of battling with other top drivers. "It would be amazing to have a fight among all of us from the top teams, including Lewis [Hamilton], Charles [Leclerc], my teammate [George Russell], Max and Lando [Norris]," he added.
Mercedes development driver Anthony Davidson echoed Antonelli’s sentiments, acknowledging the threat posed by Verstappen and Red Bull. "I reckon, as it sits right now, I would say he’d be my tip for Drivers’ Champion next year," Davidson said on Sky Sports’ F1 Show. "The rapid development of their car and their new power unit is mightily impressive. They started the year on the back foot, and they are now, I feel like, in the best position."
With a reinvigorated Verstappen and a Red Bull team on the rise, Mercedes faces a challenging 2027 season. The stage is set for a thrilling contest among the top teams, with Verstappen leading the charge against Antonelli's title defense.