Rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli may vacate seat for Max Verstappen

Formula One rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, is likely to be the one to vacate his Mercedes seat should Toto Wolff pull the trigger on a blockbuster move for Max Verstappen, according to Italian media.

The F1 world watched with anticipation at the start of the season as Wolff’s gamble on the Italian teenager either threatened to backfire or deliver big. Replacing Lewis Hamilton was never going to be straightforward, but it only took a couple of races for Antonelli to prove he might be championship material.

The Italian fought from P16 to finish P4 on debut during a wet Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Since then, he has claimed a P3 podium during a dream race weekend for Mercedes, with George Russell taking the win.

Despite showing enormous promise, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Mercedes are actively exploring a temporary placement for Antonelli at Alpine — a team currently struggling to find a reliable partner for Pierre Gasly.

Alpine are also set to become a Mercedes customer team from next season, giving further credence to the potential switch.

What added fuel to the Antonelli transfer speculation was a boating sighting off the coast of Sardinia this week. Vessels belonging to both Verstappen and Wolff were reportedly seen in the same stretch of the Mediterranean, suggesting the two may have met to discuss a potential deal.

George Russell stoked the fire even more after confirming in Austria that talks with Verstappen were “ongoing”.

The idea of Verstappen lining up alongside Russell once seemed unthinkable, largely due to their frosty relationship. But now, it could become a reality as changes continue to unsettle Red Bull Racing.

Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, it has emerged that a performance clause could allow him to leave early. Should the reigning world champion fall below fourth in the Drivers’ Championship by the Hungarian Grand Prix, a release clause could be activated — opening the door for Mercedes.

Red Bull, who once dominated the sport, appear a shadow of their former selves. Key personnel have departed the Milton Keynes outfit, most notably team principal Christian Horner. Laurent Mekies of Racing Bulls has been linked as a potential successor, but the team’s direction remains uncertain.

Verstappen’s quest for a fifth consecutive title is under threat, with McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge at the sharp end of the grid.

Meanwhile, Antonelli has delivered more than Wolff could have hoped for from a teenager — though not without error. He has shown occasional inexperience, including a high-profile incident in Austria when he collided with Verstappen on the opening lap, forcing both drivers to retire.

Should he be moved, Alpine would be fortunate to acquire the young Italian, who could provide the boost they need to mount a proper midfield challenge against the likes of Williams.