Antonelli would be happy to play in the same team as Max.

      Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen share a friendly relationship, so the Italian Mercedes driver knows well the character of the four-time world champion. Max has just extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until 2030, and according to Kimi, he never even considered the thought that his friend would part ways with Formula 1.

      “To be honest, I never really thought that Max would retire. He loves racing too much,” Antonelli said while speaking with the Italian press. “If he were my teammate at Mercedes, it would be tough to compete with him, but I also think it would be great because it would give me the opportunity to study in detail how a champion like him operates. At the same time, we would be driving the same cars.

      However, in any case, I am glad that my teammate is George Russell. Thanks to him, I have also learned a lot and am now fully focused on working with the team and the tasks ahead of me in the remaining races of the championship.”

      When Kimi was asked how he feels about the prospect that the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi might be canceled due to the unrest in the Middle East, and the season finale could take place at the classic Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack in Imola, he replied that he would be happy about it:

      “It would be wonderful if the season ends in Italy! Although I would be happy to go to those tracks if the situation improved. Let’s just say, so that nothing interferes with enjoying the championship finale.”