Toto Wolff has attributed the uneven performance of Mercedes’ W16 car as a major factor behind 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli’s adaptation challenges in his debut Formula 1 season. Despite these difficulties, Wolff views this phase as part of Antonelli’s growth toward becoming a future World Champion.
Changes in the Mercedes Lineup as Antonelli Steps into Formula 1
The 2025 F1 season brought significant shifts for Mercedes. After more than ten years, Lewis Hamilton departed for Scuderia Ferrari, leaving George Russell as the most experienced driver on the team. Mercedes promoted Kimi Antonelli, their junior driver since 2019, to fill the second seat.
Antonelli, a young Italian racer, rapidly progressed through junior categories. He secured titles in the 2022 Italian F4 Championship and ADAC Formula 4, followed by victories in the 2023 Formula Regional European Championship and the Formula Regional Middle East series.
Recognizing Antonelli’s Talent Amid Setbacks
Wolff has praised Antonelli as a prodigious talent, potentially comparable to drivers like Max Verstappen. Among the six rookies racing full-time in 2025, Antonelli remains the most accomplished so far. However, his season has included frustrating moments, with a run of retirements and finishes outside the points from Imola through Belgium.
Notably, the Canadian Grand Prix was a highlight where George Russell claimed victory and Antonelli reached the podium for the first time, demonstrating the potential within the Mercedes camp despite ongoing struggles.
Wolff Defends Early Promotion and Attributes Issues to Car Performance
Critics have questioned whether Mercedes rushed Antonelli into Formula 1, citing his recent performance dip. Wolff disagrees with this criticism, emphasizing the driver’s natural talent and the difficulties posed by the car itself. Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, Wolff stated,
I said it right from the start: he’ll make mistakes, we know that, and we wouldn’t have taken him on if we weren’t aware of that,
while adding that Mercedes’ “inconsistent car” makes adaptation more challenging.
But going through these difficulties is also part of the process of becoming a champion.
Technical Challenges Following Mid-Season Suspension Changes
The inconsistency of the W16 can be traced to a suspension upgrade introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. After the upgrade, the car became more difficult to handle. Mercedes later reverted to an earlier setup at the Hungarian Grand Prix, resolving many of those driving challenges.
Antonelli’s decline began before these upgrades, with two retirements starting at his home race in Imola, where he acknowledged feeling the pressure and heightened responsibilities. His subsequent 18th place finish in Monaco further reflected a challenging period for the young driver.
Antonelli’s Confidence Wanes Amid Pressure
Antonelli himself admitted to struggling with confidence, particularly before the Belgian Grand Prix, stating,
I feel like I have no confidence on pushing
which underscored the difficulties he faced during this tough stretch.
Despite this, Wolff emphasized that the team remains supportive and sees these struggles as valuable learning experiences.
I think it’s a learning experience for all of us,
Wolff added, noting the unprecedented nature of having such a young driver in a top team.
We’ve never had such a young driver on the team, and in general, F1 has never had an 18-year-old in a top team.
We’re all trying to work together, including his family, to create an environment that will allow Kimi to give his best on the track.
Looking Ahead for Antonelli and Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli’s start with Mercedes reflects both the promise of a rising star and the challenges of adapting to Formula 1 with an unsteady car. Toto Wolff remains confident that overcoming these early hurdles is vital for Antonelli’s development and the team is committed to supporting him through this process. As the season progresses, improvements in car performance and growing experience should help Antonelli fulfill his potential, contributing to Mercedes’ efforts to return to championship contention.