Kimi Antonelli names Max Verstappen main threat to 2027 title defense

Kimi Antonelli has secured his maiden world title with three races remaining, yet he identifies Max Verstappen as the primary threat to his defense in 2027. The Italian driver, currently leading the standings with 390 points, spoke during a press conference in San Marino about the shifting competitive balance. He noted that while Mercedes dominated much of the current campaign, the gap to its closest rivals narrowed as the season progressed. Red Bull made significant strides, with Verstappen emerging as an increasingly competitive force through a series of car upgrades. Antonelli believes several teams now operate at a similar level, making it difficult to predict who holds the advantage when the new season begins.

Verstappen’s rise and the tight pack

Antonelli singled out the four-time world champion as the specific opponent who might cause the most problems. "If I have to choose one driver, I’d say Max, the one who might cause the most problems," he stated clearly. Verstappen’s performances during the second half of the season caught Antonelli’s attention, particularly after recovering from 21st on the grid to second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Although Mercedes ultimately secured the Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, that race provided another indication of Red Bull’s progress. Antonelli expects a very close fight among all top teams next year because they are already very close. McLaren had a period when they made huge gains, then a spell when they perhaps struggled more, but now they have bounced back. Ferrari is always there, maintaining consistent performance throughout the season.

A multi-driver championship battle

While Verstappen stands out as the most dangerous individual opponent, Antonelli hopes for a championship fight involving several drivers. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, Lando Norris from McLaren, and teammate George Russell could all feature in the battle. Antonelli describes this potential scenario as amazing, expecting a very close fight among these five drivers. Russell remains involved in the battle for second place in the championship, sitting third with 262 points behind Verstappen’s 279. The Briton proves a particularly significant rival for Antonelli, with the two set to continue their partnership at Mercedes next season. Hamilton trails by just one point behind Russell, while Leclerc sits fifth with 251 points. Norris follows in sixth with 246 points, confirming the tight cluster at the front of the table.