Antonelli: “Verstappen is a very nice person outside the track.”
Kimi Antonelli, who will take Lewis Hamilton’s place in the Mercedes team for the 2025 season, shared his thoughts about Max Verstappen.
Verstappen’s personality has led to various opinions about him. Antonelli recounted positive interactions he has had with Verstappen, stating that he is “a very nice person” outside of racing.
Antonelli will join Mercedes as a part of their driver lineup next season. While most drivers have competed against their rivals during their junior careers before entering F1, Antonelli’s experience is different due to his rapid rise in the sport. At just 18, he has had the opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in the sport, thanks to his success in junior categories and his presence at FIA award ceremonies.
During the Festival Dello Sport held in Trento, Antonelli said, “He is a very good guy.” He added, “I’ve spoken with him a few times and must say he is a very nice person. I’ve even played in the simulator with him.”
When asked about Verstappen’s love for simulators, Antonelli continued, “Absolutely! I really open the simulator, and strangely enough, he is online. Sometimes we drive together. Luckily, we haven’t pushed each other out yet.”
“But joking aside, he is a great person. A very nice guy. He follows the younger categories and I first spoke to him last year. He even asked me about Formula Regional because he had watched a few races.”
“So, he is a very fast guy, and you can see his passion even in the junior categories. He is also very funny! While he may seem a bit strict on the track, outside he is a really great person. Very easygoing.”
Antonelli’s mention of Verstappen’s strict demeanor refers to the recent Grand Prix weekend in Singapore, where Verstappen received a public service penalty for swearing during a press conference on media day and protested against the FIA. After the qualifying press conference, Verstappen refused to elaborate on his responses, opting instead to take journalists outside the press room and to the paddock to conduct interviews away from the FIA’s cameras. This incident is just one of many examples of the Dutch driver’s rigid attitude toward matters in F1.
