Bernie Ecclestone: Antonelli will be the new Verstappen

"There are two drivers I really wanted to see become world champions – Max and Kimi," Ecclestone explained. "Although I don't know Kimi as well as Max, he has all the same qualities: the burning desire to win and the drive to do whatever it takes. Just like Max, Kimi gets behind the wheel with only one objective – to win."

"Max's father was strict," the Briton said. "He made Max get up early and work relentlessly. Kimi's father tries to support his son while making sure he never loses focus. But Kimi hasn't fully shown what he is truly capable of yet. In two or three years, I think we will be looking at a new Max. Kimi just needs to go through a few tough moments to build resilience, and once he does, everyone else had better watch out!"