Max Verstappen praises Kimi Antonelli’s rise after brutal rookie season

Max Verstappen lavished praise on Kimi Antonelli at Thursday’s Belgian Grand Prix media day, calling the Mercedes rookie’s progress “amazing” after a bruising first season in Formula 1.

What did Verstappen say about Antonelli?

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, didn’t just offer polite words. He dug into Antonelli’s karting roots to explain why the Italian belongs among F1’s elite. “I think when he was still in go-karting, you could see he was one of the standout talents,” Verstappen told reporters on 18 July. “And what was impressive was how he pulled it between the big guns and was so quick.”

The Dutchman also highlighted Antonelli’s brutal rookie year in the W17. “Your rookie season can be quite tough,” Verstappen said. “But at the moment, he is doing an amazing job.”

How did their relationship start?

This isn’t empty flattery. Verstappen and Antonelli built a connection long before F1’s toughest rookie gauntlet. Their sim-racing battles forged a bond that translated to real-world respect. Verstappen even told Antonelli before his debut to embrace early mistakes as a way to find his limits.

Antonelli’s sophomore surge-converting poles into wins and chasing a title-suggests he took that advice to heart. Verstappen’s public stamp of approval isn’t handed out lightly. The Dutchman reserves his highest praise for those who earn it.

Why Antonelli’s rise matters to Verstappen

Verstappen’s admiration signals more than mutual respect. It reflects his own ruthless standards for talent. If Verstappen endorses a driver’s progress, that driver has already cleared a high bar. Antonelli’s ability to survive-and thrive-after a season of setbacks proves he’s the real deal.

The Italian’s shift from shifter-kart terror to F1 front-runner also underlines Verstappen’s eye for raw skill. Verstappen spotted Antonelli’s potential years ago. Now, the young Mercedes star is delivering on it.

What’s next for Antonelli and Verstappen?

Antonelli’s sophomore year is just warming up. With poles turning into victories and title fights looming, the pressure is on. Verstappen’s backing won’t ease that burden-but it might lighten the load.

For Verstappen, the praise is strategic too. A rising rival in Mercedes keeps the competitive fire burning. And if Antonelli keeps improving, the battles ahead could get even more intense.

The Belgian GP weekend on 18-21 July offers the first real test of Antonelli’s progress since Verstappen’s glowing review. Expect the young Italian to keep pushing-and Verstappen to keep watching.