Bernie Ecclestone turns 96 on Wednesday with his mind still firmly on the finishing order.

The former Formula 1 boss expects Max Verstappen to emerge from the crowded fight for second in this year's championship, then give Kimi Antonelli a more substantial challenge in 2027.

“Max will finish second in the World Championship,” Ecclestone told Blick.

There is little room for error in that prediction. George Russell heads to Mexico with 242 points, one ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen has 236 and Charles Leclerc 233, leaving four drivers covered by just nine points.

Antonelli, meanwhile, has 365 and is closing on his first title. Ecclestone's choice concerns the best of the rest, rather than a late change at the top.

He is already looking forward to seeing the young Italian race Verstappen next season, but attached a familiar condition: Red Bull needs to deliver from the start.

“Max must have a car that works from the first race. Not like this season!”

It is a straightforward birthday wish, although the engineering department may find it more demanding than arranging a cake.

For now, Verstappen must first make good on the prediction for second. Russell, Hamilton and Leclerc all have reasons to spoil it.