The world of the formula -1 Zumba with a speculation about a possible movement of Max Verstappen to Mercedes in 2026 and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian sensation of the team, reacted to these voices for the first time. After a message fromSky ItaliaVerstappen, the world champion of four blows, would have agreed with the silver arrows next to their ranks since 2026. This development led to intense discussions about who would be the ideal partner for the Dutchman with Antonelli and George Russell and the second place competitor. Both drivers have a contract at the end of 2025 and the choice between them is far from being easy.

Antonelli, only eighteen, is considered one of the best talents in motoring. Its impressive successful record in Junior formulas with titles in Formula 4 Italian and German in 2022 and in the regional European formula in 2023 makes it a promising candidate for the future of Mercedes. His season of debut in Formula 1 in 2025 began to promise himself with a sprint in Miami and a phase in Canada, although an accident with Verstappen in Austria stressed his errors for beginners. However, chef Toto Wolff of the Mercedes team continues to trust the young Italian, who was eleven years of the Junior program. On the other hand, George Russell, a firm value of Mercedes, has been developed in a reliable guide since 2022. With five victories, including a triumph that has recently triumphed in Canada and nineteen podiums, Russell shows its value as a world -class pilot, which makes it a logical choice to be guided below.

The rumors about the change of Verstappen were led by a disappointing season for Red Bull, especially after the Austria Grand Prix, in which Antonelli Verstappen entered the first round of the route, which led to a DNF for the Dutchman. This accident in combination with the technical superiority of McLaren and the rapid growth of 61 points for the Oscar Fiatrici World Cup leader have strengthened the speculation about the transition to Mercedes.DirtyHe informed that Mercedes has “exploration interviews” with Verstappen, which is still under contract with Red Bull by 2028, but could use a boarding clause. The head of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, trivialized the voices and explained the oppositeMotorsport.com“The rest is noise and does not come from us.” However, Toto Wolff remains open in Verstappen, who has had on his radar since 2014.

Antonelli spoke in an interview with the situationCrash.netWhile preparations for the Great Britain Grand Prix on July 6, 2025, there is clearly much to do, “he said.” I am sure that the team will do everything possible to offer the best for the future, since it will not only look like next year, but also in front. My goal is to do my best anyway. “The Italian stressed his loyalty to Mercedes and rejected discussions with other teams:” No, no. I had this possibility of Mercedes. There are no conversations with others. I am very satisfied with where I am and I am also sure of what the team wants. “The attention of Antonelli is in the minimization of errors such as the accident in Austria and the maximization of his performance.” I know the team trusts me, so I’m not really worried, “he added.

Speculation about 2026 drivers also led to warnings of the Red Bull Helmut Marko consultant. In an interview withI would likeHe explained that the link between Antonelli with Verstappen for the career of the young Italian due to the attempt of the dominant presence that put the former teammates that would have been risky.Motorsport-Total.comHe suggested that Russell would be preferred as a “rounded antonelli product, while others support himSky SportWhich is faithful to Mercedes and does not fear his position.

While Mercedes is thinking about his strategy for 2026, with new regulations that promise a possible resurrection of the team, Verstappen’s future remains uncertain. The Mulino Delle Voci works at full speed, but Antonelli’s quiet reaction and focuses on his performance decision to win his place, regardless of those who become his teammate. The world of formula -1 will continue waiting for tensions about how this story takes place.