The future of Max Verstappen remains one of the main topics in Formula 1, and a possible move to Mercedes has gained momentum again after analysis by former category driver Anthony Davidson. For him, a potential partnership between the four-time world champion and Kimi Antonelli could work within the German team.
Read more F1: Ferrari sees Hamilton’s comeback as a result of adjustments
Speculation around the Dutchman has increased in recent weeks amid the difficulties faced by Red Bull Racing this season and the revelation that the driver’s representatives met with McLaren in June. Besides the British team, Mercedes continues to be pointed out as one of Verstappen’s possible destinations for 2027.
During his appearance on The F1 Show, Davidson stated that the good relationship between Verstappen and Antonelli would favor coexistence between them: “I think it can work. There is respect between Kimi and Max, there is also a friendship. I think Max sees a lot of himself in the young Kimi when he arrived in Formula 1,” he said.
The former driver also highlighted that Lando Norris, the current world champion, has publicly shown that he would not be afraid to share the team with Verstappen if he went to McLaren. According to Davidson, drivers who believe they are at the peak of their careers see this challenge positively: “It’s that ‘bring it on’ mindset. You need to measure yourself against the best.”
Even so, Davidson believes there is still an emotional factor involving Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull. In his assessment, the departure of Helmut Marko, who was responsible for opening the team’s doors to the driver at the start of his career, may have left marks: “I still wonder if Max is still bothered by the fact that Red Bull, as an organization, let go of the person who gave him that opportunity,” he continued.
Read more F1: British media points to advanced negotiations between Verstappen and McLaren for 2027
He went further, stating that he senses a tense environment between the parties: “I have the feeling that there is still discomfort. There is a lack of harmony between Verstappen’s side and Red Bull, and I can’t quite understand why,” he added.
Despite the rumors, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently downplayed any possibility of a change, at least for 2027, reinforcing his confidence in the current duo formed by Antonelli and George Russell: “We don’t want to change things. We’ve also told George that. It’s a lineup that works for us and I’m very happy with both,” he concluded.
However, speculation continues fueled by the difficult moment experienced by Verstappen. The retirement at the British GP, caused by a failure in the rear wing of his Red Bull car, only increased doubts about the four-time F1 world champion’s future from the 2027 season onward.
Read more F1: Marko avoids giving details about meeting with Jos Verstappen and Vermeulen
