Kimi Antonelli relieved 'very scary' Max Verstappen is not in 2026 title fight
Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli expressed relief that Max Verstappen is not currently a direct threat to his 2026 title campaign. Despite Verstappen's recent strong form, Antonelli maintains a significant lead in the standings.
Why it matters
This reflects the shifting power dynamics in F1 as younger drivers challenge established champions in a highly competitive sport.
Kimi Antonelli has admitted it would be "very, very scary" to have Max Verstappen as a title rival following the Dutchman's dominant victory at the Singapore GP. Verstappen's Marina Bay win is his second in succession, after having taken an impressive victory in mixed conditions at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia the weekend prior.
While it is still mathematically possible that Verstappen snatches the title from the young Italian, Antonelli's grip on what would be a historic championship win - as F1 's youngest ever title winner - only increased after a P3 finish in Singapore. If Antonelli wins the next race in Austin, while Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finish lower than P4 and P8, respectively, he will become champion.
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