Kimi Antonelli's F1 future still uncertain as Mercedes leaves door open for Max Verstappen: Reports

Recent reports claim that Max Verstappen could still be on the cards for Mercedes and that the team is not locked in with their junior driver Kimi Antonelli. The defending world champion could still leave Red Bull and join its rival team.

Ever since Lewis Hamilton announced that he would leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025, the Silver Arrows have been trying to find a competent driver to replace him. Several driver names like Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Antonelli, and even Max Verstappen came up in various reports.

While Mercedes tried to find Hamilton's replacement, Verstappen's position at Red Bull reportedly weakened, especially after team principal Christian Horner was investigated for inappropriate behavior by a female employee. Jos Verstappen, Max's father, was seen talking to Mercedes' honcho, Toto Wolff. Wolff has openly mentioned Verstappen while discussing a potential Hamilton replacement as well.

On the other hand, Mercedes has a junior driver named Kimi Antonelli, who is currently racing in F2 with Prema Racing. Soon after Hamilton's departure announcement, the Italian youngster came into the limelight and was discussed as the future of the Mercedes F1 team.

While recent reports from German media like Bild and RTL claim that Antonelli is close to signing with the Silver Arrows, "Motorsport-Total" came up with a report refuting it. According to them, Mercedes could still hire Max Verstappen if the reigning world champion decides to part ways with Red Bull.

The report further stated that both Mercedes and Verstappen have ample time to decide the move, especially since both their futures are safe even if they do not join forces. While Verstappen has Red Bull backing him up, Mercedes could further prepare Antonelli for his F1 debut with them.

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Former F1 driver feels Max Verstappen could shake George Russell's future at Mercedes

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently opined that Max Verstappen's availability could result in George Russell losing his seat at Mercedes.

Speaking to Sky Germany, he explained that if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, he could very well join Mercedes. However, instead of replacing Lewis Hamilton, Schumacher feels that he could replace George Russell and drive at Silver Arrows with Kimi Antonelli.

"If Max Verstappen really decides to leave Red Bull, I can imagine that there will be a seat for him at Mercedes. Then it could be rather bad for George Russell. He is, or was, a super talent, but he also makes a lot of mistakes. If a world champion is on the market, I can imagine that George Russell's job could also be in danger," Schumacher said.

As of now, both parties have not yet confirmed anything and are focusing on the 2024 F1 season at hand.