Ted Kravitz says Mercedes no longer think Max Verstappen is the fastest driver in F1

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Ted Kravitz says Mercedes have all but ruled out signing Max Verstappen for 2027 despite showing strong interest in the past.

Verstappen can activate an exit clause in his Red Bull contract because he will be outside the top two in the standings after this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. At the Belgian GP, he again refused to confirm whether he would stay at Red Bull for 2027.

Toto Wolff wanted Verstappen before Red Bull first snapped him up, and he has renewed that pursuit in the past couple of years. Speaking to OE24 in 2024, he said the Dutchman is ‘the best driver at the moment’ and that ‘anyone who has the chance would like to have Max in their car’.

Mercedes’ ‘big statement’ about Kimi Antonelli compared to Max Verstappen

In light of remarks like that from Wolff, it’s surprising that Mercedes aren’t pursuing Verstappen with more vigour given his potential availability.

But as Ted Kravitz explained to Sky Sports, the growth of Kimi Antonelli this year has changed their minds. Antonelli made it six wins from 10 races at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend and is on course to become the sport’s youngest-ever champion by a full three years.

The Italian, who doesn’t turn 20 until next month, is arguably the most exciting F1 talent since Verstappen. Few in the paddock expected him to be so fast so soon after a tumultuous rookie season, but Mercedes believe he has already ended Verstappen’s supremacy.

“Mercedes seem to think that they’re happy with Kimi Antonelli,” Kravitz reported. “They think he’s probably as fast as Max Verstappen – big statement, but that’s what they think.

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walkercharlie828Jun 9

No. If there’s anything that can destroy Kimi Antonelli it’s having Max as a teammate

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“They think that George Russell is a good teammate for the time being for Antonelli. So it’s McLaren, seemingly, or nothing, which is why I think Max will stay at Red Bull.”

Mercedes included a 2027 extension option in Russell’s new contract last year. If he has met the criteria already – and he claims to be ‘100%’ sure he’s staying – then axing him would incur a large financial penalty.

• READ MORE: George Russell has ‘received a promise’ from Toto Wolff regarding his F1 future at Mercedes

Perhaps Wolff and co. don’t think that’s a price worth paying as they head towards their first constructors’ title since 2021. Russell has been out-of-sorts this year for various reasons, but many regarded him as one of the top three drivers on the grid heading into the season.

Even if Mercedes believe Antonelli could match Verstappen for pace, they may not want to foster an internal rivalry that could destabilise the team.