Kimi Antonelli believes that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will represent the greatest threat to his title defence in 2027, with the Italian anticipating a “very close fight” between the top teams.
Nine race wins and an additional seven podiums propelled Antonelli to the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, which he sealed with P3 in Mexico City behind former champions Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Over the last two seasons, the Dutchman has garnered a reputation for remarkable comebacks – he missed out on the 2025 title by just two points, and has now stormed into second place thanks to Red Bull’s turnaround this year.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Mercedes driver picked him out as potentially his biggest rival for 2027.
Speaking in Italian during a press conference hosted by Sky Sport F1 Italia in his home town of San Marino, he said: “If I had to choose one driver, I’d say Max – he’s the one who might cause the most problems.”
But Verstappen won’t be the only one hoping to challenge Antonelli, with Ferrari and McLaren likely aiming for more consistent performances at the front of the field.
Although both teams have clinched victories in 2026 (two for the Scuderia and three for McLaren’s Lando Norris), their form has fluctuated, opening the door for Red Bull to fight for better results and shake off their frustrating start to the latest era.
Add the refreshed teams’ battle to George Russell’s desire to recover from his rollercoaster campaign and contend for his own maiden title, and 2027 is shaping up to be a tantalisingly competitive season.
“I think next year will be a very close fight among all of us, among all the top teams, because we are already very close,” Antonelli added. “Looking at Red Bull too, with all the upgrades they have brought, they have kept improving.
“McLaren had a period when they made huge gains, then a spell when they perhaps struggled more, but now they have bounced back. Ferrari [are] always there.
“It would be amazing to have a fight among all of us from the top teams, including Lewis, Charles [Leclerc], my team mate [Russell], Max and Lando. I think it will be a very close fight.”