Russell and Antonelli relish Verstappen's F1 turmoil

Core summary Mercedes drivers George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli are reportedly taking a quiet pleasure in Max Verstappen's visible frustration with the new 2026 regulations, former driver‑turned‑pundit Jolyon Palmer said on the F1 Nation podcast.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen’s public discontent could ripple through Red Bull’s performance and the broader championship fight.
• A confident Mercedes lineup that is already winning adds pressure on Red Bull to retain its star.
• Driver‑market narratives shift when a dominant champion appears unsettled, influencing future contract talks.

The details:

• Verstappen was heavily linked to a Mercedes seat for 2026, with Russell or Antonelli expected to move, but he stayed after Red Bull chose not to trigger a break clause.
• The Dutchman has openly threatened to quit, saying the new rules “take the joy out of racing,” and dismissed claims that his rant is merely a reaction to poor results.
• Mercedes has claimed all three Grand Prix wins so far and the Chinese GP sprint, while Antonelli leads Russell by nine points (two victories to Russell’s one).
• Palmer noted that the Mercedes drivers’ success gives them a silent satisfaction watching Verstappen struggle, even if they respect his talent.
• He added that Verstappen still possesses “all the talent in the world,” but his hunger appears muted compared with the peak of last season.

What's next:

• Verstappen’s future at Red Bull remains uncertain; a move to a winning team could still be on the table if the regulatory frustration persists.
• Mercedes is likely to keep its current driver pair into 2026, banking on their early‑season dominance.
• The rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull may intensify as both teams adapt to the new rule set, making the next few races pivotal for the championship picture.