Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has stated he would choose to sign Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen.
Verstappen has long been seen as the strongest driver on the grid, winning four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.
However, Antonelli has lifted himself into F1 stardom this year with a dominant run at the front of the field, and is currently on course for his maiden title.
The 20-year-old currently holds a 66-point lead over team-mate George Russell, taking seven race wins so far this year.
When discussing a hypothetical draft scenario, akin to the system used in the NBA or NFL, Steiner was asked for his first pick on a four-year contract, to which he replied: “Kimi.”
After it was raised that he chose Antonelli over Verstappen, Steiner added: “I mean, four years.
“You said four years, and if you said two years... four years, if I have to keep him for four years, I think he [Antonelli] will be better than him [Verstappen].”
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Steiner praises Antonelli home showcase
Antonelli was praised earlier this month for his victory on home soil as he rose from 19th on the grid to the top step of the podium.
It drew comparisons to other wins from towards the back of the field, including Max Verstappen's triumph in Brazil in 2024, when he started from P17 on the grid.
Steiner was left blown away by Antonelli's display, believing it eclipses Verstappen's effort in terms of impressiveness.
“I think that [Verstappen in 2024] was more spectacular,” he said. “This [Antonelli in 2026] is better, but it was less spectacular because when Max did it, there was much more, 'what is happening here?'.
“This was like he sneaked forward with the second restart; in which position did he start on the second start?
“As he said, then with the tyres, it gave him an advantage, but also a disadvantage.
“It's not like a clean drive to the front like Max did, but as a performance, it was more because it was a very solid race.
“The other one was rain, and in the rain you can take risks. And then if you go off, you say 'I had nothing to lose. I had to risk it'
“But like this, he didn't risk anything. He just drove a fantastic race.”
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