Kimi Antonelli Brands Max Verstappen as The “Mentor to All F1 Rookies”

Kimi Antonelli resonated with Max Verstappen's praises and claimed that the latter was a true mentor all the rookies on track.

Kimi Antonelli Brands Max Verstappen as The “Mentor to All F1 Rookies”

Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen is amongst those drivers who do not differentiate between rookie and veteran drivers. The Dutchman always showcases love and respect towards the young generation of drivers coming into Formula 1. The multiple rookies who came in the 2025 season shared a great bond with Verstappen. Recently, the 28-year-old praised Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto for their performances in the rookie season.

Now, Kimi Antonelli has returned the favor to Max Verstappen and talked highly of the four-time champion. Notably, Antonelli was one of the more impressive rookies on the grid in the 2025 season. The Italian finished in P7, just six points behind the seven-time champion in Lewis Hamilton, who was having his own struggles at Ferrari.

As such, Kimi Antonelli was certainly deserving of the praise from Max Verstappen following his performances in the 2025 season. Antonelli insisted that his relationship with Verstappen was certainly a great honor. The Italian revealed that he built a wonderful relationship with the four-time champion, more so because the 28-year-old was a mentor to all the rookies.

Further, Kimi Antonelli applauded Max Verstappen and his performances in the 2025 season. The Italian pointed out that Verstappen was an extraordinary driver. As such, receiving praises from the four-time champion meant that the compliments were even more special.

It is certainly heartwarming to see a driver being so welcoming of the new drivers and treating them with kindness. The Dutchman’s love for the rookies will only help them improve results on track and strive for improvement.

It’s a great honour. We’ve built a wonderful relationship with him this year, and he’s been a mentor to all of us rookies. I consider him an extraordinary driver, and receiving these compliments from him is special.

Kimi Antonelli told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Kimi Antonelli reveals ‘shared interests’ with Max Verstappen apart from F1

Max Verstappen is a true racer through and through. The Dutchman has an interest in participating in various motorsport categories apart from Formula 1. Luckily for Kimi Antonelli, he shares such an interest in various motorsport events as well. As such, the two have even more topics to discuss and strengthen their bond upon.

Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Kimi Antonelli pointed out that he could talk about so many things apart from Formula 1 with Max Verstappen. The two shared a passion for GT racing, where Verstappen recently made his debut and achieved some great results. Antonelli, having a passion for GT racing, means that he might hope to mimic the Dutchman’s plans and participate in various other forms of motorsport as well.

The best thing is that we can talk about so many things we enjoy besides Formula 1, like GT racing, which is a passion for both of us.

Kimi Antonelli noted.

Kimi Antonelli certainly has a lot to learn from Max Verstappen in Formula 1. The Dutchman is one of the greatest talents witnessed in the pinnacle of motorsport. As such, Antonelli’s bond with Verstappen means that he will have some great insight about the sport in the coming years and continue to improve his results.

Read More: George Russell Brands Max Verstappen as The “Gold Standard” of Current F1 Grid