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Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has stated that Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen's potential pairing is not possible at Red Bull. Marko believes that Antonelli is strongly connected to Mercedes.
As the 2024 F1 season progresses, the driver market gradually bubbles up. Despite dominating in the 2022 and 2023 F1 seasons, many reports have discussed the possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull to join other teams. Mercedes honcho Toto Wolff openly showed interest in the three-time world champion while trying to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he departs for Ferrari in 2025.
Kimi Antonelli, on the other hand, is currently driving for Prema Racing in the F2 Championship. The Italian will turn 18 in August 2024, making him eligible for F1. Wolff had also mentioned that Antonelli would play a major role in the Silver Arrows' future.
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Speaking to OE24, Helmut Marko was asked about his views on the potential Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen pairing. The 81-year-old Austrian stated that the junior driver was completely committed to Mercedes and that Red Bull was not considering the pairing.
"Antonelli is an absolute Mercedes man, we don't need to think about it," Marko said.
Marko was also asked whether Mercedes would replace George Russell with Max Verstappen in 2026, resulting in him driving alongside Antonelli. In response, he said that these driver shuffles are way a thing for the future. He added that his team is currently focused on securing the 2024 F1 World Championship.
"That's still so far away," the Red Bull senior said.
Former F1 driver discusses Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen's potential pairing at Mercedes
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently talked about Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli's strong connection and how Max Verstappen's availability could be dangerous for George Russell.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher stated that Toto Wolff believes Antonelli deserves a chance in Formula 1. He added that discussions around a contract are already in place.
“From Toto Wolff’s point of view, Kimi Antonelli deserves the chance and there are apparently contractual agreements in place,” Schumacher said. (via PlanetF1)
He later speculated that if Verstappen becomes available later in the future, Mercedes could part ways with George Russell.
“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 then on the market, I can imagine that George Russell’s job could also be in jeopardy,” he added.
As of now, Verstappen continues to lead the championship table with Red Bull. After the 2024 F1 Canadian GP, he is at the top of the drivers' table with 194 points.
