“Verstappen is the absolute priority" for Mercedes, claims Nico Rosberg
Mercedes have confirmed that teenage starlet Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton, alongside Russell, next year.regulations begin) have not gone away.
“Verstappen is the absolute priority which is understandable because he’s one of the best five drivers of all time,” ex-Mercedes driver and 2016 F1 champion Rosberg told Sky Sports.“Then, it really becomes a straight shootout between Antonelli and George. “It won’t be a comfortable position for George. Because you have a young superstar, 18 years old. George is expected to beat Antonelli so he can almost only lose next year.But Rosberg added: “George is maybe top two best qualifiers at the moment, he beats Lewis in almost every qualifying. So it won’t be easy for Kimi to beat George.”“Clearly, Toto is hugely invested personally in Antonelli, and is making overtures to Verstappen.
“George will be occasionally looking over his shoulder but, meanwhile, he’s the Mercedes team leader.”But in 2026 the entire F1 landscape could change when the new engine regulations begin.If that comes to fruition then they will fancy their chances of tempting Verstappen across from Red Bull.
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