Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Helmut Marko (left) and Red Bull Racing Limited driver Max Verstappen (right) of Team Netherlands celebrate winning the U.S. Grand Prix F1 race at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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Helmut Marko Warns Mercedes Regarding Max Verstappen Switch!

Why Helmut Marko thinks Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen are a bad pairing

Helmut Marko is going to very busy in the upcoming weekends. The Red Bull senior advisor is currently taking care of the team’s leadership changes. After Laurent Mekies took over the team few weeks ago, the team has been trying to regain their standing in Formula 1. Amidst this hustle, there is also rumour about Max Verstappen leaving the team for Mercedes.

Toto Wolff has been closely following the Dutchman in 2025. It is believed that the two had agreed to sign a deal for the next season. Formula 1 fans believe that Max Verstappen’s issues with the Red Bull car prompted him to leave the team. While there is no official confirmation from either of the two parties, the answer is expected soon. Helmut Marko has other plans in his mind. He has issued a warning to Mercedes ahead of their rumoured takeover of Max Verstappen.

Helmut Marko Believes Kimi Antonelli Won’t Be a Good Choice for Partnering Max Verstappen

Kimi Antonelli is the rookie sensation of Formula 1. Mercedes struck gold with their 18 year-old Italian. Antonelli has been racing the Mercedes and his teammate to their absolute limits. He is already a podium winner in Formula 1. Kimi Antonelli became the third youngest podium winner in Formula 1 at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.

Antonelli is also close with Max Verstappen. He is spotted taking tips and conversing with Max Verstappen in the paddock many times. These reasons prompt people to believe that Kimi Antonelli is going to partner Max Verstappen at Mercedes. There is no doubt that Mercedes would not want to let go of their young prodigy.

Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen: pic.twitter.com/UktZNHp0TR
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) July 18, 2025

Helmut Marko, on the other hand, thinks otherwise about this pairing-

“Next to Max, everyone looks bad. It would be too soon for Antonelli to be Verstappen’s teammate in his second year.”

Max Verstappen has earned the reputation of being too dominant for his teammates. Over the years at Red Bull Racing, the team has not found a viable second driver who can go toe to toe with Verstappen. Marko’s words are a clear warning for Mercedes to think twice about their decision before partnering with Max Verstappen.

Formula 1 2025 Season

Helmut Marko

Kimi Antonelli

Max Verstappen

Mercedes Formula 1 Team

Red Bull Racing

Rohan Singh

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.