Max Verstappen has suggested that it is "quite clear" Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 world champion in the making following the Italian's remarkable rise.
Antonelli graduated to F1 with Mercedes after just a single season in Formula 2, skipping Formula 3 entirely.
The 19-year-old's maiden campaign was one of ups and downs, with the European rounds last season proving a particular low point after he scored just three points.
However, since the introduction of the new power unit regulations, the teenager has been nothing short of exceptional.
With several pole positions and victories to his name, Antonelli is quickly applying significant pressure to team-mate George Russell, who had been the title favourite heading into 2026.
Now, Antonelli is very much the driver to beat, with the speed of his rise to the front coming as no surprise to Verstappen.
Asked if Antonelli is a future F1 champion, Verstappen replied: "Yeah, for sure. I think you see a few guys grow up from younger categories that have something special and when they switch categories, they are immediately quick.
"I think that was quite clear with Kimi, so that was not a surprise. But then, of course, when you get to Formula 1, it’s not only talent. Things have to come together.
"You need to become a more all-around driver and then, of course, you need to have the package to be able to do it.
"But I think this year he’s showing that once he has a package that can do it, he is delivering as a driver. So that’s great to see and that’s what he has to do."
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