Max Verstappen applauds F1 rival: 'I could see that coming'

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has praised the form shown by Kimi Antonelli during his second F1 campaign.

Antonelli endured some difficult moments during his rookie season in 2025 and was regularly outperformed by Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

However, the Italian has enjoyed a much stronger start this year, taking five grand prix victories across the opening seven rounds.

That run has left Antonelli 41 points clear at the top of the drivers’ standings, although his advantage was significantly reduced after an unexpected retirement in Barcelona last time out.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Verstappen praising the progress Antonelli has made this season.

"In general, at that age to be doing what he is doing and trying to find that consistency as well, it's very impressive,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. 

“Also what he did in Monaco, at that age, it's quite tough, especially in qualifying when the pressure is on to deliver these kind of laps.

"I'm just happy for him that he's doing these things. He's a great talent. I knew that. 

“I could see that coming. In a rookie season, you have to make mistakes, but then it's about how you learn from them, and I think he's doing that very well.

“It's just very nice and impressive to see what he is doing currently and also what is there still to come.”

Verstappen added that there is little point in trying to compare Antonelli to other stars of the past.

“Comparisons, he mentioned it himself, it's important also just to be yourself and not look at others or try to be like someone else,” he said. “Just be yourself. 

“He knows that and he just needs to do everything his own way. 

“Because that's also how you grow up, you do things your own way. And it's also very important just to be your own star."