Kimi Antonelli has openly expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen, even going as far as suggesting that the two could form an exciting partnership—both in Formula 1 and endurance racing—in the future.
The young Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team driver is currently enjoying a remarkable rise in the sport. During the recent race weekend in Shanghai, Antonelli etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest polesitter in Formula 1 history. He followed that achievement with an even more emotional milestone, securing his maiden Grand Prix victory. Despite the magnitude of this success, Antonelli could not surpass Verstappen’s long-standing record as the youngest race winner, a title the Dutchman claimed at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix at just 18 years old.
Antonelli’s rapid development, combined with the consistent performances of his teammate George Russell, has placed Mercedes firmly at the forefront of the 2026 championship battle. The team has adapted strongly to the new regulations, emerging as early favorites for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. In contrast, Verstappen has endured a difficult start to the season with Red Bull Racing, managing only a handful of points across the opening rounds.
During a short break in the Formula 1 calendar, Verstappen shifted his focus away from F1 machinery and returned to GT racing, competing in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car alongside teammates Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, the Dutch driver initially enjoyed success by claiming pole position and winning the race. However, that triumph was short-lived, as the team was later disqualified due to a breach of strict tyre regulations.
Although the disqualification was a setback, Verstappen still gained valuable experience at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife. This will prove crucial as he prepares for the demanding Nürburgring 24 Hours scheduled for May. His growing involvement in endurance racing has not gone unnoticed—particularly by Antonelli.
Speaking in a recent interview, Antonelli revealed that Verstappen’s GT racing ventures have sparked his own interest in endurance competition. He admitted that the idea of teaming up with the reigning world champion is something he finds very appealing.
Antonelli explained that both drivers share a genuine passion for GT racing, which could make them a formidable pairing. He highlighted that his own interest in the discipline stems from his family background, as his father has been involved in GT racing. This early exposure has allowed him to occasionally participate in test sessions, further fueling his ambition to explore racing beyond Formula 1.
The Italian driver also praised Verstappen’s enthusiasm for endurance racing, particularly his commitment to tackling one of the most challenging events in motorsport. According to Antonelli, the prospect of Verstappen competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and he intends to follow it closely.
Looking ahead, Antonelli made it clear that he hopes to share the track with Verstappen in an endurance race someday. He believes their combined talent and shared interests would create a strong and entertaining partnership. Beyond just admiration, Antonelli has already taken steps toward making that ambition a reality, revealing that he has requested an opportunity to test at the Nordschleife himself—a circuit he deeply admires.
While any potential collaboration between the two drivers remains speculative for now, Antonelli’s comments underline the growing connection between Formula 1 and endurance racing. They also highlight the mutual respect between one of the sport’s brightest young talents and its most dominant recent champion, hinting at a partnership that could captivate motorsport fans in the years to come.
