Mercedes ban Kimi Antonelli from the Nurburgring after Max Verstappen's devastating loss

Mercedes have confirmed that Kimi Antonelli has been banned from racing at the iconic Nurburgring track following Max Verstappen's devastating loss.

Following years of waiting, four-time Formula One champion Verstappen finally achieved his dream of competing at a 24-hour endurance race at the famous Nordschleife over the weekend.

After qualifying in fourth, the Dutch driver, along with team-mates Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, looked almost certain to win after positioning themselves in first in the final hours of the race.

However, while holding a lead of about 30 seconds with three hours and 20 minutes to go, the team were forced off the track with a broken driveshaft which, despite being fixed, ultimately cost them the victory.

Despite this, Verstappen said post-race that he would be eager to return to the event next year, as long as his calendar permitted it, raising questions about which other drivers could feature in next year's race should the Formula One calendar permit it.

Among those to express interest in doing so was current championship leader Antonelli, who said in a recent video that he hopes to earn a 'Nordschleife permit', which would allow him to compete, by the end of the year.

But, Mercedes’ deputy team principal Bradley Lord has quickly shut down any chances of the Italian driver competing at the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race, revealing that he has been told he will not be allowed to get his permit.

“No,” he said bluntly to Nitro when asked whether Mercedes would allow Antonelli to obtain the DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN) this year.

“I’ve spoken to him about it. I think he meant it more as a joke. Maybe he could try once he’s won four world championships.”

He went on to add that Verstappen, who has been driving in F1 since making his debut as a 17-year-old back in 2015, “perhaps has a bit more range thanks to his experience” compared to Antonelli.

Aside from his vast experience in F1, Verstappen had also already competed in several races on the Nordschleife ahead of making his debut at the 24-hour race this year.

Instead, Lord stated that Antonelli is expected to keep his “full focus” on Formula One as he hopes to secure his maiden World Drivers' Champion title later this year.

Will Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 Formula One Drivers' World Championship?

After just four races it is, of course, far too early to make any calls regarding who is going to win the world championship by the time the season ends in Abu Dhabi on December 6.

However, with Antonelli picking up three consecutive Grand Prix wins in China, Japan and Miami, it's easy to understand why fans of the young talent are getting excited.

As it stands, the Italian driver leaders the World Championship with 100 points, placing him 20 points ahead of Mercedes teammate and former title favourite George Russell.

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc is third in the standings with 59 points ahead of 2025 champion Lando Norris on 51 points, with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton also on 51 points in fifth.

Should Antonelli go on to win the 2026 title, he will further cement his place in history by becoming the youngest ever Formula One World Drivers' Champion, surpassing Sebastian Vettel who did so aged 23.