Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli how similar are they really?

Hopkins, who worked closely with Christian Horner, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo during Red Bull's championship years, says Verstappen and Antonelli arrived in Formula 1 through very different routes despite both displaying extraordinary talent at a young age.

While Verstappen burst onto the scene with an aggressive reputation and a willingness to intimidate rivals, Antonelli's development has been more measured under the guidance of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Asked whether he sees similarities between the two drivers, Hopkins told OLBG media team: "Only time will tell if there are similarities between Max and Kimi: "I think Max, at a similar stage in his career, was a little bit rough around the edges, not quite as polished. I think there was raw talent, not natural talent. There's a difference between the two."

Hopkins recalled how Verstappen quickly built a reputation during his early days at Toro Rosso, becoming known throughout the paddock for his uncompromising style. The Dutchman's raw speed was obvious.

So too was the perception that he was prepared to take risks that others would avoid. Hopkins continued: "Certainly in that first season, when he was with Toro Rosso, or whatever they were called at the time, we saw Max making a number of mistakes, but he was also building that persona for himself as being an aggressive driver.

"His teammates and other teams were seeing Max as being a bit of a bull in a china shop. Look out for this guy, he's dangerous. But then, when he actually unlocked that natural talent, certainly when he moved to the main Red Bull team, I think we saw that absolutely come to a head."

Antonelli, by contrast, has followed a far more controlled path to the front of the grid. The Italian has emerged as the dominant force of the 2026 season, but without creating the controversy or confrontation that often surrounded Verstappen's early years.

"The pathway, the journey that Kimi's taking, is a different one," Hopkins said. "I think it's more measured, more controlled. So similarities, yes, just in the great drivers. But when you dig deep into the two personalities, I think they're very different. I think their approach to racing is very different."

While Antonelli's calm demeanour has become one of his defining characteristics, Hopkins believes recent races have shown another side to the Mercedes star. His wheel to wheel fight with teammate George Russell in Canada particularly caught the attention of the former Red Bull executive.

"Let's give it some time and see how that naivety and youth that Kimi has, how he matures, and how his confidence is then perceived by others," Hopkins said. "Is he going to be a polite driver, as opposed to an aggressive driver?

"When we look at the likes of Senna, Senna put his presence on track in a particular way, similar to the way Max did. We're not seeing that, and I don't think we've needed to see that from Kimi."

However, Hopkins believes Antonelli's battle with Russell offered an early glimpse of the ruthlessness required: "Certainly in Canada, the amazing battle between Kimi and George, Kimi wasn't afraid to get his elbows out. He wasn't going to give way. So I think that was the first sign maybe of seeing this guy's got some balls. He's not afraid."

For Hopkins, the biggest difference may lie away from the racetrack: "I think they're very different drivers at this stage. If we're comparing 20 races in, 30 races in, 40 races into their careers, I think they're making different decisions.

"I think they're being managed very differently. I think how Jos raised Max and how Toto's managing and being a bit of that father figure for Kimi, is just very different," explained Hopkins.

As Antonelli continues his title charge, comparisons with Verstappen will only grow. But according to Hopkins, Formula 1 may be witnessing the emergence of another great champion through a completely different blueprint.