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Naomi Schiff has suggested that Andrea Kimi Antonelli could be the driver most at risk of losing his seat this season.
Many people believe that Mercedes are going into this season as the favourites to win their first constructors’ championship since 2021.
Guenther Steiner thinks George Russell is the man to beat in the drivers’ championship after a brilliant campaign last year, where he was held back by a car that was rarely capable of challenging for pole positions and victories.
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The early signs from testing suggest that Mercedes have the best power unit, and both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli weren’t pushing the car to its limits.
This, however, could put Antonelli under unique pressure in just his second season on the grid.
Naomi Schiff believes that if Mercedes are as dominant as they are expected to be, then other drivers, including a certain Max Verstappen, might be eyeing up his seat.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Naomi Schiff thinks Max Verstappen could be eyeing up Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes seat beyond 2026
Schiff was asked on Daniel Moxon’s TikTok to make various predictions ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, believing that McLaren could win the constructors’ championship, but George Russell is the favourite to win the drivers’ title.
The Sky Sports F1 presenter then suggested Isack Hadjar would be the biggest surprise of the season, and Aston Martin will be the biggest disappointment.
When asked who the most underrated driver is, Schiff explained: “I think Gabriel Bortoleto at the moment.
“Not underrated, I just think he hasn’t been able to prove how really good he is.”
How worried should Kimi Antonelli be about his Mercedes future?
Arvid Lindblad is the driver most likely to have their breakthrough year this season, and when asked which driver is most at risk of losing their seat, Schiff said: “The driver who’s probably most at threat is Antonelli because if that Mercedes is as good as people expect it to be, then Max might be looking around the paddock.
“And if he becomes available, we know that Toto has said that he would be interested.
“So, come on, Kimi, keep pushing!”
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
What does Kimi Antonelli have to do to avoid losing his Mercedes seat to Max Verstappen?
Antonelli finished the 2025 season on a high, recording a brilliant second-place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he held off Verstappen in the closing stages.
Another podium in Las Vegas followed, although Antonelli was subject to online abuse after Helmut Marko mistakenly claimed he spun deliberately to help Lando Norris at the Qatar Grand Prix in his championship battle with Verstappen.
Toto Wolff is a huge fan of Antonelli, and while he’s never hidden his admiration for Verstappen, ultimately, the idea of having two academy-produced drivers winning the championship for Mercedes is the goal.
Antonelli’s contract is believed to expire at the end of the season, but there will be various clauses that would allow Mercedes to extend that deal relatively easily.
The Italian youngster can’t let that potential uncertainty impact his performances this season, especially if he ends up in a car that could make him the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
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