The Mercedes Driver secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix behind Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli won nine races and secured another seven podium finishes during the season.

“If I had to choose one driver, I’d say Max. Max is the one who might cause the most problems,” Antonelli said.

Verstappen missed the 2025 championship by two points and moved into second place during the latest campaign after Red Bull recovered from a difficult start.

However, Antonelli expects Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes Teammate George Russell to join the title contest.

“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 said.

Red Bull continued improving through upgrades during the 2026 season, allowing Verstappen to challenge for stronger results.

McLaren’s performance fluctuated after an earlier period of substantial progress, while Ferrari maintained a regular presence near the front.

Ferrari won two races during 2026, while McLaren Driver Lando Norris secured three victories.

“Looking at Red Bull, with all the upgrades Red Bull brought, Red Bull kept improving,” Antonelli said.

“McLaren had a period when McLaren made huge gains, then a spell when McLaren perhaps struggled more, but now McLaren has bounced back. Ferrari is always there.”

Russell will also seek to recover from an inconsistent 2026 campaign and challenge for a maiden Drivers’ Championship.

Antonelli said a title battle involving Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would create a highly competitive season.

“It would be amazing to have a fight among all of us from the top teams,” Antonelli said.

“I think it will be a very close fight.”

–F1/ChannelAfrica–

Image: Reuters