In what can only be described as a seismic shift in the Formula 1 world, rising star Kimi Antonelli is reportedly set to join Red Bull Racing, just days after a dramatic crash involving Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix. The news has stunned the paddock, sparking immediate speculation about the future of the Red Bull lineup — and whether tensions between Verstappen and team management have finally reached a boiling point
During last weekend’s chaotic Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen and Antonelli — who was subbing for an injured Mercedes driver — collided in a heated wheel-to-wheel battle on lap 47. The incident took both drivers out of the points and left Verstappen visibly furious in the paddock.
“He has talent, but no respect,” Verstappen fumed in a post-race interview.
“He drove like he had nothing to lose — and maybe that’s true.”
Antonelli, just 18 and one of the most hyped junior talents since Verstappen himself, remained composed.
“It was a racing incident. I went for the gap. If it was Max in my shoes, he would’ve done the same.”
Days later, Red Bull stunned the motorsport world by announcing that Kimi Antonelli would be joining the team starting from the second half of the 2025 season — replacing Sergio Pérez, whose performances have been inconsistent this year.
“Kimi Antonelli represents the next generation of Formula 1 brilliance,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said in a press statement.
“We’re excited to welcome him into the Red Bull family and look forward to building a competitive future around youth and ambition.”
While no official comment has been made by Max Verstappen since the announcement, insiders say the reigning world champion was not consulted about the decision — and is believed to be unhappy with both the signing and the lack of communication from team leadership.
“It’s no secret Max likes to be the clear No. 1,” one paddock insider told Motorsport Week. “Bringing in Antonelli — a fearless, aggressive driver — is not the kind of move Max expected.”
With Verstappen rumored to be weighing options beyond 2026 and increasingly frustrated with off-track distractions, many see the move as Red Bull planning for life after Max — a subtle signal that the team wants to build around long-term potential.
“Antonelli is the future,” F1 analyst Martin Brundle commented.
“Red Bull knows it can’t put all its eggs in one basket anymore. This is their insurance policy.”
The Italian prodigy has been dominating the F2 season and has long been seen as a Mercedes academy jewel. That he’s now jumping ship to Red Bull — especially after a high-profile clash with Verstappen — adds a delicious layer of drama to an already turbulent F1 season.
Mercedes, notably silent since the announcement, are said to be “deeply disappointed” by the decision, though Toto Wolff has refused to comment officially.
With both Verstappen and Antonelli now set to share a garage — and a growing rivalry — the second half of the 2025 season promises fireworks. Whether this ends in mutual respect or a total implosion remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Red Bull’s garage just got a whole lot hotter. 🔥
