Max Verstappen 'successor' named after iconic F1 duel

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has labelled Kimi Antonelli as Max Verstappen’s potential “successor” following another impressive display at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Antonelli secured his fourth consecutive grand prix victory, extending his lead in the drivers’ championship to 43 points.

His advantage was strengthened by the retirement of team-mate George Russell, who suffered a power unit failure on lap 30 after an intense battle for the lead.

The Mercedes pair exchanged positions several times during the opening half of the race, with Antonelli consistently applying pressure to his more experienced team-mate.

The Italian’s performance drew high praise from Schumacher, who told Sky Sports Deutschland: “It was an epic duel.”

“But you also have to say, Kimi handled it with extreme composure. 

“He really forced George into mistakes time and time again. Of course, he made one himself, but clearly he was the faster man.”

Antonelli is partaking in just his second F1 campaign but has already established himself as a favourite for the title.

His performances have led Schumacher to assert that the Italian could soon become the successor to Verstappen as the grid's benchmark driver.

“You have to admire that to have such control of the situation at such a young age and to learn from your mistakes,” Schumacher added.

“If he continues like this, we really have a successor there, perhaps even to Max Verstappen someday.”