Jenson Button suggests surprise destination for Kimi Antonelli if Max Verstappen takes his Mercedes seat

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Kimi Antonelli could lose his Mercedes seat after just one season. Teammate George Russell is facing all the questions about his future, but Antonelli is also at risk.

Indeed, Russell believes he would partner Max Verstappen if Wolff’s talks with the four-time world champion are successful. Given Antonelli’s inexperience, this would represent the strongest short-term line-up.

Antonelli scored his first F1 podium in Canada last month and also took a record-breaking pole position for the Miami Sprint. But he trails Russell 20-2 in competitive sessions.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko thinks Antonelli isn’t ready to partner Verstappen. And some of the decision-makers at Mercedes may share that view.

Jenson Button says Kimi Antonelli could end up at Red Bull

Appearing on Sky Sports before FP1 at the British Grand Prix, 2009 world champion Jenson Button was asked how Red Bull would cope if they lost Verstappen. The Dutchman has remarkably scored 155 of their 162 points this season.

Christian Horner has held informal talks with Russell already, but Button also believes that Kimi Antonelli would be a contender. This would be a surprising move.

A report last year claimed that Wolff has control of Antonelli for multiple years, even if his initial F1 contract only runs for 12 months. He surely wouldn’t want to strengthen a direct rival.

The animosity between Wolff and Horner could be another obstacle. But perhaps Mercedes would honour his wishes if they locked in Verstappen and Russell, who will only be 28 at the start of next season.

“Well, they’ll have a driver from Mercedes to choose from!” Button said of Red Bull. “They’re both very competitive.

“The leader that Max has been for that team and the points he’s got for that team… compare him to his teammate, where would they be without Max for the last few years?

“It’s a tricky one. The only way he can get out of his contract is performance clauses from the team’s point of view.”

Toto Wolff could strike Kimi Antonelli loan deal if he signs Max Verstappen

Wolff’s other option would be to effectively loan Antonelli out. Russell spent his first three seasons at Williams before stepping up to Mercedes.

The Grove outfit have tied down Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon for 2026, but Alpine could have a spot for Antonelli. They have yet to decide who will partner Pierre Gasly and will become Mercedes customers.

Karun Chandhok says Antonelli could even emulate Fernando Alonso and spend a year on the sidelines after his initial breakthrough. But even with Verstappen to learn from, that could hurt his development.

Antonelli arrives at Silverstone seventh in the championship with 63 points, fewer than half what Russell (146) has managed.