Max Verstappen has been giving ‘tips’ to George Russell’s main ‘enemy’ ahead of 2026

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Max Verstappen’s feud with George Russell in the Formula 1 paddock has caught everyone’s attention over the past few years, particularly in the driver market.

The Red Bull and Mercedes drivers have not seen eye to eye on and off the track. Verstappen came to blows with Russell in Qatar in 2024 in a heated exchange following an incident in qualifying.

When it seemed the tension had subsided in 2025, it was thrown into disarray again after Verstappen hit Russell in Barcelona. Many point to that moment as what cost the Dutchman the championship, as he was demoted to P10 after the race.

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The drama was made all the more interesting when it emerged that Mercedes were pursuing a deal for Verstappen. Russell, perhaps as a negotiation tactic, publicly revealed the talks, as his contract was set to expire in 2025.

In the end, the two teams kept their drivers for 2026. Russell hinted that ‘a confrontation is inevitable’ if Mercedes did sign Verstappen as his teammate.

But the threat of the four-time champion joining the Silver Arrows will be mentioned time and time again in 2026 amid his exit clause at Red Bull. It has even been suggested that he is helping Russell’s main ‘enemy’.

Max Verstappen is giving ‘tips’ to Kimi Antonelli to help him beat George Russell

Kimi Antonelli will also keep his seat in 2026. The Italian had a tough rookie season, particularly in Europe, where mistakes and unreliability cost him valuable points.

While he finished with less than half of Russell’s points, Mercedes have kept faith in the 19-year-old. In 2026, he could be in a position to fight for the championship, as it is rumoured that they have the fastest power unit.

Given his experience, Russell will be one of the favourites, as well as the McLarens and Verstappen. But his old rival may be trying to get under his skin, as journalist Ralf Bach has suggested that he is giving ‘tips’ to help Antonelli.

He said via F1-Insider: “So Russell has the most opponents, I agree. Not only Antonelli, but also Verstappen, he’s already got him last.

“That’s the eternal Verstappen, who can take the seat, and then Antonelli is his double enemy. Firstly, because he’s his teammate and then because Max Verstappen likes him and gives him tips, even against Russell.

“I’m sure of that, you don’t have to say it so openly. So, that’s really funny. He’s practically racing against three people at the same time.”

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Kimi Antonelli has a strong relationship with Max Verstappen

Antonelli sees Verstappen as a mentor figure, describing his relationship with the Dutchman as ‘wonderful’. The Italian has sought advice from him and other senior figures to help him along his rookie campaign.

Juan Pablo Montoya felt that Verstappen was treating Antonelli like his teammate amid his links to Mercedes. It was widely understood, back then at least, that Mercedes would pair the two together and drop Russell if they could strike a deal with Red Bull.

Now that Verstappen has committed to Red Bull, stating in a recent interview that he intends to see out his contract until 2028, Mercedes can focus on Antonelli and their potential title charge in 2026.

But even with this, rumours about Verstappen leaving Red Bull are certain to crop up if his exit clause can be activated. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in Brackley.