After two consecutive successes, Kimi Antonelli continues to progress at Mercedes, but Toto Wolff calls for calming premature comparisons and placing the season in a development logic.
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Formula 1 championship leader, Kimi Antonelli continues a trajectory deemed consistent with the projections established by Mercedes for his second season.
The 19-year-old Italian driver, who became the youngest leader in the championship’s history and the first Italian to achieve two consecutive victories since Alberto Ascari in 1953, now leads his teammate George Russell by nine points.
Toto Wolff, during a video call with journalists, reiterated the internal line: “Regarding Kimi, we have always been very clear about our objectives. A first year of learning with good performances, highlights, but also very difficult periods. That’s exactly what we observed. And now, in the second year, he continues to progress as we anticipated.”
Wolff slows down media hype
In a context where recent results fuel the most ambitious projections, the Mercedes boss was keen to temper external comparisons, particularly those evoking Ayrton Senna.
“Of course, in Italy, everyone wants to talk about world championships and comparisons with Ayrton Senna appear, which I don’t like to read because he is only 19 years old “, Wolff continued.
Beyond the media discourse, the team principal primarily highlights the young driver’s ability to absorb high-level pressure.
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“He handles the situation very well. Within the team, there are times when we support him more, others when we put more pressure. But overall, everything is going as planned.”
Wolff curbs comparisons with Senna
Internally, Mercedes believes that Antonelli’s rise to power remains controlled, without excessive excitement despite the two consecutive victories.
The balance between support and demand is part of the development process put in place, with a gradual adaptation to the demands of modern Formula 1.
Russell, a misleading start to the season
At the same time, George Russell displays a level of performance deemed high by his team, but his overall record does not fully reflect his potential at the start of this season.
Winner of the opening race in Australia, the Briton was then penalized by several unfavorable race scenarios, particularly in China and Japan, where neutralizations and strategies worked against him.
Wolff insisted on his driver’s consistency : “I haven’t seen many mistakes from George so far, but I have seen races slip away from him due to safety cars or traffic. He drives at a very high level, he is essential to the team’s success and remains a top Mercedes driver.”
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