Max Verstappen is relishing the prospect of fighting 2026's champion-elect Kimi Antonelli in next year's F1 world championship, with the Dutchman hoping to have a competitive enough car to battle the Mercedes driver.

Since the return of F1 from the summer break, no driver has looked able to challenge Antonelli quite as much as Red Bull's Verstappen. The four-time champion is chasing his third straight victory at the US GP, although he lines up behind the 20-year-old pole-sitter in Sunday's Grand Prix.

Antonelli starts on Pole knowing he could be 56 laps away from becoming the youngest-ever F1 world champion. Should the Italian win the race, while teammate George Russell finished P9 or lower, and Lewis Hamilton finishes lower than fifth, he will be champion.

In any case, a victory for Antonelli would mathematically rule out Verstappen from becoming a five-time world champion in 2026, but the pair could not hide their excitement over a potential battle the following year.

Speaking together during the post-Qualifying press conference, Antonelli began: "I think it will be amazing, of course. You know, Max is at an incredible level, and it's very tough to beat him, especially when he's got the momentum."

"But yeah, it will be a lot of fun to fight as well from already now and then for the future. Of course, it will be very tough, but a good challenge.

Verstappen: Antonelli a 'deserving winner'

Photo: Race Pictures

Sat next to Antonelli, Verstappen said he hoped both Mercedes and Red Bull will be able to fight for the title next year, while also commenting on the battles the pair have had so far in 2026.

"Yeah, same for me, of course, Verstappen said."We are depending a little bit, hopefully, on our cars. Hopefully, they're both competitive next year as well. But yeah, from the battles that we've had so far, it's been nice.

Turning his attention more closely to Antonelli's performances on the way to what will surely be his first F1 title, Verstappen praised the young Italian, adding that once officially crowned champion, he will be a "deserving winner."

"And of course, this year, I think Kimi fully deserves all the success that he's having. He's very consistent, he's putting the performances in when it matters, and once it's finally official that he is World Champion, he's definitely a deserving winner."