Kimi Antonelli has struggled in his maiden season of F1 with Mercedes due to a number of contributing factors, and was reportedly ‘set’ for a move to a rival team on the grid if the German constructor was successful in the pursuit of Max Verstappen.
The rumours linking the four-time world champion to a bombshell move across the pit-lane to his formerly fierce rivals were on the cards earlier in the season.
With George Russell and Antonelli’s contracts up at the end of 2025, paired with Verstappen’s reported unrest at Red Bull, the potential of seeing the Dutchman as a Silver Arrow in 2026 was a legitimate possibility.
However, Red Bull’s new team principal and CEO, Laurent Mekies seemingly steadied the ship at the Austrian constructor following the months-long ordeal, and Verstappen has since backed down from his desire to leave the team.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen forced to consider u-turn at Red Bull after what he’s seen in 2026 testing sessions
Kimi Antonelli was ‘set’ for a move to Alpine if Mercedes were successful in their pursuit of Max Verstappen
The links between Mercedes and Verstappen raised the question of where Antonelli, or Russell, would find themselves racing if they were forced to make way for the four-time world champion.
Given Russell’s status as the number one driver in the German team, it would have been unlikely for him to be the biggest loser out of the deal. Antonelli, on the other hand, was close to the chopping block.
In a recent report by Autosport, ‘paddock whispers’ stated that Antonelli was ‘set’ for a loan deal involving Mercedes’ newest engine customer, Alpine.
Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The French constructor has had a season-long headache over who would be the best driver to partner Pierre Gasly at the team next year.
The deal may have included a potential discount on the 2026 power units, considering that the team would be sacrificing the development of one of their own drivers in favour of the Silver Arrows.
However, the report goes on to state that the deal is now off the table, due to the Red Bull driver’s desire to remain at the team.
Mercedes have also seemingly backed down from sending the young Italian to another team for 2026.
Toto Wolff now has no interest in parting with Antonelli and is currently in the midst of penning a contract extension for Russell as well as the 19-year-old.
READ MORE: Mercedes think dropping Kimi Antonelli for Max Verstappen now comes with one unique ‘advantage’
Who are Alpine looking at for their second seat in the 2026 F1 season?
Franco Colapinto is under increasing pressure to deliver results for the Enstone-based constructor following his move to replace Jack Doohan at Alpine six rounds into the current campaign.
Alpine boss Flavio Briatore believes he overestimated Colapinto’s ability, in a frank admission that wouldn’t have helped the Argentine’s confidence at all.
TEAMDRIVER 1DRIVER 2AlpinePierre GaslyN/AAston MartinFernando AlonsoLance StrollAudiGabriel BortoletoNico HulkenbergCadillacValtteri BottasSergio PerezFerrariCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonHaasEsteban OconOliver BearmanMcLarenLando NorrisOscar PiastriMercedesN/AN/ARacing BullsN/AN/ARed Bull RacingMax VerstappenN/AWilliamsAlex AlbonCarlos Sainz2026 confirmed F1 drivers
Gasly has made his feelings clear on who he wants Alpine to sign, with Yuki Tsunoda potentially being free in the F1 driver market if Red Bull opts to discontinue his current drive as Verstappen’s teammate at the racing outfit.
Paul Aron is reported to be the ‘leading candidate’ for Briatore given his status as the reserve driver within the Alpine ranks. The Estonian has competed in several FP1 sessions throughout the current term in hopes of gaining valuable experience if he is given the opportunity of a full-time drive.