{
  "id": 14616837,
  "title": "Kimi Antonelli relieved 'very scary' Max Verstappen is not in 2026 title fight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/kimi-antonelli-relieved-very-scary-max-verstappen-is-not-in-2026",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T05:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kimi-antonelli-relieved-very-scary-050100634.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he would find it very scary to compete against Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 drivers' title after the Dutch driver's recent dominant performances. Verstappen's victories in Singapore and Bahrain demonstrate his strong form heading into the final races of the season. While it is still possible for Verstappen to win the championship despite the odds, Antonelli's grip on the historic title win remains strong. Antonelli's team, Mercedes, is currently working to understand their upgraded package, but the driver remains confident in their ability to secure points and ultimately clinch the championship. Toto Wolff, Antonelli's team principal, acknowledged the almost 100% chance of victory for his driver, but emphasized the unpredictable nature of racing and the need to focus on scoring points race by race.",
  "summary": "Kimi Antonelli has admitted it would be \"very, very scary\" to have Max Verstappen as a title rival following the Dutchman's dominant victory at the Singapore GP. Verstappen's Marina Bay win is his second in succession, after having taken an impressive victory in mixed conditions at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia the weekend prior.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kimi Antonelli finds competing against Max Verstappen scary",
    "Verstappen dominant in Singapore and Bahrain races",
    "Antonelli's Mercedes team confident in securing points"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}