Mercedes' Davidson Tips Verstappen to Usurp Antonelli's Crown in 2027
Mercedes development driver Anthony Davidson suggests Max Verstappen could dethrone current champion Kimi Antonelli next year. Despite Antonelli's dominant 2026 season, Davidson believes Red Bull's progress positions Verstappen as a strong contender.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli might have clinched the 2026 F1 championship with remarkable ease, winning nine out of 20 races and potentially crossing the 400-point mark. Yet, Anthony Davidson, a Mercedes development driver, believes Antonelli's reign could be short-lived. Davidson sees Max Verstappen as a formidable challenger for the 2027 title, despite Antonelli's current dominance.
Mercedes kicked off the season with an impressive streak, winning the first six races, which initially hinted at a new era of supremacy. However, as the season progressed, their competitors, particularly Red Bull and Ferrari, managed to close the gap. Max Verstappen, who had a slow start to the season, has been on a remarkable streak since his first podium finish in Canada, securing 11 podiums in the last 16 races. His consistent performance has propelled him from seventh to second in the championship standings.
Davidson emphasized the rapid development of Red Bull's car and their new power unit, which has defied expectations by performing exceptionally well in its debut season. "As it stands, I would tip Verstappen for the drivers' championship next year," Davidson said on the F1 Show, acknowledging the Dutchman's late-season surge.
Despite Mercedes securing the constructors' championship in Brazil, Antonelli remains cautious about next year's competition. He anticipates challenges from Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and his teammate George Russell. The 2027 season promises to be a thrilling contest, with Red Bull's advancements posing a significant threat to Mercedes' dominance.
Davidson's comments reflect a broader anticipation in the paddock that Red Bull, with their improved internal combustion engine, could upset the established order. As the F1 world looks to 2027, the stage is set for an intriguing battle between the current champion and a rejuvenated Verstappen, backed by a team on the rise.