Verstappen Offers Guidance to Antonelli Following Challenging F1 Debut Season
November 16, 2025 – Max Verstappen has extended advice to Kimi Antonelli following the young driver’s inaugural Formula 1 season, marked by inconsistency despite high expectations. The reigning World Champion acknowledged the difficulties Antonelli faced adapting to the demands of the sport and offered support as the mercedes-backed driver prepares for future campaigns.
Antonelli, who transitioned directly from Formula 2 to F1 with Mercedes’ customer team, struggled to consistently translate potential into results throughout 2025. While demonstrating flashes of speed, the 18-year-old ofen found himself battling car setup issues and the steep learning curve inherent in Formula 1. Verstappen, having navigated a similar path to the pinnacle of motorsport, shared insights based on his own experiences.
“It’s never easy jumping into F1, especially without a lot of testing beforehand,” Verstappen stated. “There’s a lot to learn, and it’s not just about being fast.It’s about understanding the car, working with the engineers, and managing the pressure. He has a lot of talent, absolutely, but it takes time to put everything together.”
Verstappen emphasized the importance of patience and a focused approach to development. He suggested Antonelli concentrate on incremental improvements and avoid becoming discouraged by setbacks. “The key is to stay calm, keep learning, and not try to force things. Every race weekend is a chance to get better, and it’s notable to build on those small gains.”
Antonelli’s 2025 performance has prompted discussion within the Mercedes organization regarding his development path. Team principal Toto Wolff has publicly stated his commitment to supporting Antonelli’s growth, and Verstappen’s input adds another layer of mentorship for the promising young driver. The advice comes as Antonelli prepares for the off-season, aiming to refine his skills and return stronger for the 2026 season.