Bernie Ecclestone tells Max Verstappen he needs one thing to fight Kimi Antonelli for 2027 F1 title

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone stated that Max Verstappen will need a competitive Red Bull car from the very first race to challenge Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2027 drivers' championship. Verstappen was officially eliminated from the 2026 title fight with five rounds remaining, leaving Antonelli positioned to become the youngest-ever champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Red Bull suffered early-season balance and aerodynamic degradation issues under the 2026 regulations before updates in Baku revived their form with wins in Malaysia and Singapore. Ecclestone predicted Verstappen will still finish second in the 2026 standings, where he currently sits fourth behind George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.