Verstappen currently sits 25 points off Oscar Piastri, P2 in the Standings, and 49 points behind leader Lando Norris. Although his chances of becoming a five-time world champion apeear scarce, the Mercedes rookie thinks the Dutch driver can never turly be ruled out.

Asked by Blick for a prediction as to what the competitive balance might look like in 2026, Antonelli said: "No, nobody can manage that at the moment," shifting his focus to the 2025 Driver's title fight instead.

"For years, he has been the benchmark for everything," the Italian concluded with a very complimentary view of Verstappen.

The Dutch driver managed to severely cut down a 104 points lead after the Dutch Grand Prix, which however grew again in Mexico and Brazil, where Norris dominated.

Piastri now remains Verstappen's most realistic target, and even beating the Australian is a tall order, as a race win separates the two with only three Grands Prix lef to go this season.

Red Bull Powertrain's technical director Ben Hodgkinson says Max Verstappen was impressed after seeing and hearing Red Bull-Ford’s 2026 power unit running laps, while praising the team's infraestructure and detailed work into next year's engine, calling it vital to achieving podium ambitions under the 2026 regulations. Read Hodgkinson's statements here.

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