Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen’s early brilliance, calling

Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen’s early brilliance, calling him a …read more

Italian racing prodigy Kimi Antonelli has recently expressed immense admiration for three-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen, calling the Dutch sensation a true source of inspiration and a model for rising talents in motorsport. As Antonelli himself continues to make waves in the junior racing categories and inches closer to Formula One, he reflected on the influence of Verstappen’s career and his remarkable early achievements.

Speaking to motorsport media during a recent event, the 17-year-old Antonelli did not hesitate to share how Verstappen’s journey has fueled his own ambition and determination. “Max is someone I’ve always looked up to,” said Antonelli. “The way he broke into Formula One at such a young age and immediately started challenging much more experienced drivers is something truly special. It gives hope to many young drivers like me.”

Verstappen made his F1 debut at just 17 years old with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2015, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in the sport. By 18, he had already secured a stunning maiden Grand Prix victory in Spain with Red Bull Racing, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history. That bold entry and early success left an indelible mark on motorsport, particularly among young drivers who dream of fast-tracking their way into the top tier.

Antonelli, often touted as one of the brightest prospects in the Mercedes Junior Team, emphasized the importance of having role models who prove that early success is not only possible but achievable with the right mix of talent, dedication, and mental strength. “Seeing Max succeed at such a young age makes you realize that age is not necessarily a barrier. It’s about how prepared you are, how much you’re willing to sacrifice, and how deeply you believe in yourself,” he added.

The Italian has been closely watched by F1 teams and fans alike, having earned multiple karting and junior single-seater championships over the past few years. While comparisons with Verstappen are inevitable given their similar trajectories, Antonelli remains humble, insisting that he’s focused on carving his own path while learning from the sport’s best.

“I don’t want to copy Max, but there’s a lot I can learn from him—his racecraft, his fearlessness, his consistency under pressure,” Antonelli explained. “He’s not just fast; he’s intelligent and aggressive in just the right way. That balance is what makes him so successful.”

As Verstappen continues to dominate in Formula One with Red Bull Racing, Antonelli’s admiration extends beyond just performance on track. He pointed to Max’s ability to stay grounded and focused despite immense pressure and media attention. “It’s not easy being in the spotlight from such a young age. The way Max handles it all—staying true to himself and still performing at the highest level—is something I really respect.”

Antonelli’s praise of Verstappen is particularly noteworthy as it reflects a broader shift in the motorsport landscape, where young drivers are now more encouraged to aim high and break through earlier than ever before. Verstappen’s rapid rise has helped reshape how teams assess talent and readiness, opening doors for exceptional youngsters to prove themselves on the global stage sooner.

As Antonelli prepares for what many believe could be his eventual F1 debut—possibly with Mercedes in the coming seasons—he carries with him not only the weight of expectations but also the inspiration drawn from one of the sport’s modern greats. “If I can have even a fraction of the impact Max has had on this sport, I’ll consider my journey a success,” Antonelli concluded.

In a world where talent is abundant but opportunity rare, having a shining example like Verstappen provides both a benchmark and a beacon. For Kimi Antonelli and many like him, Max’s story is not just impressive—it’s motivational.