Max Verstappen teammate to Kimi Antonelli or Lando Norris: Would it work?

The Sky Sports F1 pundit pointed to Verstappen’s existing relationships with both drivers. He believes mutual respect could prevent the tensions normally expected when two leading talents share a garage.

Verstappen continues to be linked with potential moves away from Red Bull. Mercedes and McLaren remain central to the speculation surrounding the four-time world champion's future.

Davidson believes Antonelli’s personality and rapid rise could make him an intriguing Mercedes team-mate for Verstappen. Speaking on The F1 Show, the motorsport veteran and pundit said: "I think it could work, Kimi and Max; there’s a respect there, and there’s a bit of a friendship there as well. I think Max probably sees a lot of himself in young Kimi when Max first arrived [in F1].”

Antonelli has established himself among Formula 1’s leading drivers, while Verstappen remains the benchmark against which rivals are regularly measured. Pairing them would place two different generations inside the same Mercedes garage. However, Davidson believes their relationship could provide a foundation for the partnership.

Davidson also highlighted Norris’ friendship with Verstappen and the McLaren driver’s confidence in his own ability. While the reigning F1 World Champion addressed the speculation ahead of the British Grand Prix, insisting he remained committed to McLaren and would welcome Verstappen as his teammate.

Of the friendship, Davidson said: "Max is pals with Lando, who at Silverstone was pretty adamant that he’s still going to be there at McLaren, and he would relish the chance of having Verstappen as a teammate.

“For these guys who feel like they’re right at the top of their game — Lando Norris, world champion — 'Yeah, bring it on! Let’s see what the so-called best in the business is like alongside me!’ You have to put yourself against the best. For these guys it’s a ‘bring it on’ moment," reckoned Davidson.

A Verstappen-Norris pairing would immediately create one of Formula 1’s most closely watched team-mate battles. Norris would have the opportunity to measure himself directly against Verstappen. McLaren, meanwhile, would face the challenge of managing two drivers expecting to fight for victories and championships.

Davidson also questioned whether internal tension at Red Bull could be encouraging Verstappen to consider his options. Christian Horner was removed as team principal in July 2025. That decision was widely viewed as an attempt to improve relations with Verstappen’s camp.

However, Davidson believes the departure of long-time motorsport advisor Helmut Marko at the end of 2025 could remain a source of frustration. The long-time Red Bull advisor and Verstappen's early F1 mentor played a decisive role in bringing Verstappen into Formula 1 and promoting him to Red Bull’s senior team.

Davidson added: “I still wonder if Max is still niggled by the fact that Red Bull, as a collective, got rid of the person that gave Max his chance — Helmut Marko. I sense there’s upset there still in the team. Team Verstappen and Team Red Bull, there’s disharmony, and I can’t work out why.”

Verstappen’s next move may ultimately depend on more than machinery and championship potential. Mercedes or McLaren would offer new technical environments and formidable team-mates. Red Bull must convince Verstappen that its internal structure still provides the stability required to win.