Antonelli surge fuels freshest Verstappen rumours

George Russell’s struggles against championship leader Kimi Antonelli are adding fresh fuel to Formula 1’s already simmering silly season.

After Antonelli claimed pole position in Monaco, with his championship lead already 43 points, speculation in the paddock was intensifying about Mercedes’ long-term plans - and whether Max Verstappen could yet become part of them.

Russell himself admitted he is struggling to adapt to Mercedes’ 2026 car.

"Something about my driving style just isn’t working with the car right now," he said after qualifying P6.

"There’s clearly a difference in driving style between us, which was already there last year. Last year it played very well into my hands, and this year it’s obviously playing perfectly into his hands."

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff moved quickly to defend the Briton.

"We made a mistake with George’s setup," he insisted.

"George’s got it. I can’t imagine a better teammate. He’ll come around over the course of a world championship."

But Dutch journalist Erik van Haren, who is closely connected to Verstappen’s camp, says Mercedes’ internal dynamic is becoming increasingly relevant.

"Wolff has never hidden his affection for Verstappen," Van Haren wrote in De Telegraaf.

The Dutch newspaper claimed Wolff will continue monitoring whether Russell can close the gap to Antonelli, amid suggestions there are performance-related clauses in the Briton’s contract.

Officially, however, Wolff insists Antonelli’s championship position is no reason to alter the team’s approach - and played down Russell’s claim that the title is now the teenaged Italian’s "to lose".

"He doesn’t have much to lose," the Austrian said.

"He never expected himself to be in this position, that he would lead a championship. He trusts his instincts and just lets the car go."

Wolff also suggested Monaco is particularly difficult for Russell. "He hasn’t managed to gain confidence behind the wheel," he said.

One person who appears entirely convinced about Antonelli’s future, however, is Verstappen himself.

Asked whether the Italian looks like a future world champion, the Red Bull driver replied on Saturday: "Yeah, for sure."

"You see a few guys grow up from younger categories that have something special and when they switch categories, they are immediately quick.

"I think that was quite clear with Kimi."

Verstappen said Mercedes’ youngster is now proving he can convert talent into results. "This year he’s showing that once he has a package that can do it, he is delivering as a driver," he said.

"So that’s great to see and that’s what he has to do."