Toto Wolff backs Antonelli despite Italian GP struggles
Toto Wolff calls Kimi Antonelli’s Italian Grand Prix “underwhelming” but backs Mercedes F1 rookie’s long-term ceiling
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff didn’t sugarcoat F1 rookie Kimi Antonelli’s home race, labeling the 19-year-old’s Italian Grand Prix “underwhelming” after a scruffy weekend that included multiple errors and penalties. Still, Wolff reiterated his conviction that the Mercedes F1 newcomer is a future star.
Antonelli qualified seventh and finished ninth at the Italian Grand Prix, a result compounded by a spin in second practice, a black-and-white flag for repeated track-limit offenses during the race, and a five-second penalty for forcing Williams’ Alex Albon off the track. For fans searching for Mercedes F1 news and Italian Grand Prix results, the rookie’s weekend offered a stark performance snapshot.
Wolff’s blunt assessment
“Underwhelming this weekend. Underwhelming,” Wolff said about the rookie's race. “You can't put the car in the gravel bed and expect to be there. All of the race was underwhelming.
“It doesn't change anything on my support and confidence in his future because I believe he's going to be very, very, very good. But today was ... underwhelming.”
Antonelli’s learning curve
The Italian’s form has dipped in recent rounds despite a breakthrough podium in Canada in June. Mercedes has framed 2025 as a steep learning curve for Antonelli, who stepped into the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton, statistically the most successful driver in Formula One history. While Wolff briefly explored Max Verstappen as a potential 2026 option, he has confirmed Antonelli will remain alongside George Russell through 2026, clarifying the Mercedes F1 driver lineup beyond next season.
Freeing Antonelli from pressure
Asked how the team can unlock Antonelli’s potential, Wolff emphasized stripping away pressure and resetting after mistakes—key themes for any F1 rookie development plan.
“Just freeing him up. Freeing him up,” Wolff said. “You know, he's a great driver. He has this unbelievable ability and natural talent. He's a race driver. It's all there. But we need to get rid of the ballast.” He added: “I think a clean weekend means almost not to carry too much trauma of previous mistakes into the next session or into the next weekend because that is [baggage]. You're not going to attack the corner hard if you've been off there before you've finished your session or maybe you're not attacking a driver that should not be in your way.”
Championship position
Antonelli sits eighth in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, 124 points behind teammate Russell, underscoring the gap Mercedes must close as it works to unlock the young driver’s potential.
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