Key Highlights
- Kimi Antonelli expects Max Verstappen to be his biggest title rival in 2027.
- Antonelli secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with nine wins and seven additional podiums.
- Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren are expected to contest a closely matched 2027 season.
Kimi Antonelli Identifies Max Verstappen as 2027 Title Threat
Kimi Antonelli has named Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as the driver most likely to challenge his Formula 1 title defence in 2027. The Mercedes driver expects a “very close fight” among the leading teams after securing the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with nine race victories and seven further podium finishes.
Antonelli sealed the championship with third place in Mexico City, finishing behind former world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen has strengthened his position during Red Bull’s recent resurgence, rising to second in the standings after missing out on the 2025 title by only two points.
Speaking in Italian at a Sky Sport F1 Italia press conference in his home town of San Marino, Antonelli said: “If I had to choose one driver, I’d say Max – he’s the one who might cause the most problems.”
Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes Add to 2027 Competition
Verstappen is unlikely to be Antonelli’s only major challenger. Ferrari and McLaren have both won races during the 2026 season, although inconsistent front-running form has prevented either team from maintaining a sustained challenge. Ferrari has taken two victories, while McLaren has won three races through Lando Norris.
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Red Bull’s improvement has given the team an opportunity to recover from its difficult start to the latest Formula 1 era. At Mercedes, George Russell will also be seeking to rebound from an unpredictable campaign and compete for his first Drivers’ Championship, adding another potential layer to the 2027 title battle.
Antonelli said: “I think next year will be a very close fight among all of us, among all the top teams, because we are already very close,” Antonelli added. “Looking at Red Bull too, with all the upgrades they have brought, they have kept improving.
“McLaren had a period when they made huge gains, then a spell when they perhaps struggled more, but now they have bounced back. Ferrari [are] always there.
“It would be amazing to have a fight among all of us from the top teams, including Lewis, Charles [Leclerc], my team mate [Russell], Max and Lando. I think it will be a very close fight.”
Why This Matters
The 2027 Formula 1 season is set to feature a broad contest involving Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. Red Bull’s upgrades, McLaren’s recovery, Ferrari’s continued presence at the front and George Russell’s ambition create the prospect of several drivers challenging Antonelli rather than a single-team title fight. The teams’ relative development over the coming season will determine whether the competitive balance remains as close as Antonelli anticipates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Kimi Antonelli expect to be his main 2027 rival?
Antonelli has identified Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as the driver most likely to cause him the greatest problems in 2027.
How did Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 Drivers’ Championship?
Antonelli won the championship after recording nine race victories and seven additional podiums, sealing the title with third place in Mexico City.
Which teams are expected to challenge Mercedes in 2027?
Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren are expected to compete with Mercedes at the front of the field, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and George Russell among the named contenders.
