Toto Wolff admits that Kimi Antonelli has exceeded all expectations this season. Beyond his results, it is above all his maturity that impresses the Mercedes boss.
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Leader of the world championship after ten Grands Prix, Kimi Antonelli impresses as much by his performance as by his attitude. Toto Wolff also admits that certain aspects of his young driver’s progress were totally unexpected.
After a first season marked by ups and downs, the Italian changed dimension in 2026. With six victories and a 45-point lead over Lewis Hamilton in the championship, he is already asserting himself as the big favorite for the title.
Expected progress… but not to this extent
For Wolff, it was logical for Antonelli to reach a new level after a full year in Formula 1.
The Mercedes boss reminds us that the young Italian now has a better understanding of his environment and the team’s requirements.
“We are all surprised. His first season unfolded as we expected: he showed all his talent at times, but he also went through a long difficult period in the middle of the year.”
The winter then allowed the driver to gain experience.
“He knew the team better, the pressure, the technical requirements, the media obligations, as well as the circuits on which we were going to race. That, we expected.”
Totally unexpected serenity
On the other hand, Wolff believes that the biggest surprise lies in the calm Antonelli demonstrates.
“What we didn’t expect was the serenity and structure he brought to his way of working.”
The Austrian executive explains that this evolution is particularly visible during technical meetings.
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“Whether the session went well or badly, there is practically no difference in his emotions during debriefings. His approach is totally factual: what is the problem, how to solve it, and how to move forward.”
Astonishing maturity at just 19 years old
According to Wolff, this emotional control is exceptional for such a young driver.
He particularly emphasizes that Antonelli remains very measured after his victories.
“Even when he wins, you don’t find the overflowing excitement one might expect from a 19-year-old driver.”
Conversely, when a technical problem arises, it is sometimes the driver who reassures the team.
“After our retirement in Barcelona or the difficulties encountered at Silverstone, it was he who came back saying: ‘It’s a mechanical sport, these things happen.’ And he’s only 19!”
For Wolff, this mental strength largely explains the speed with which Antonelli established himself among the best.
“This mindset and attitude are probably the main factors that allowed him to express his talent so early in his career.”
Beyond his pure speed, Mercedes therefore believes that the maturity displayed by its young driver is today one of his greatest assets in the race for the world title.
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