Winner in Japan, Kimi Antonelli nevertheless experienced a critical moment at the start, which did not escape Toto Wolff.
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Despite his pole position on the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix track, Kimi Antonelli almost compromised his race in the very first meters. The young Mercedes driver completely missed his start, falling victim to significant wheelspin at the crucial moment of the getaway.
Immediate result: a brutal drop in the standings, with a descent down to sixth position. Stuck in traffic, Antonelli found himself behind the McLaren of Lando Norris, losing precious time in the opening laps.
A scenario that caused teeth to gnash on the pit wall, as starts remain a recurring weak point for Mercedes since the beginning of the season.
Wolff quips about a “catastrophic” moment
Interviewed after the race, Toto Wolff did not lack humor when commenting on this failed start. The boss of the German team even slipped in a sharp remark about the driving habits of young drivers.
“It was a completely botched start. These youngsters learn to drive with automatic gearboxes, so we have to teach them again how to release a clutch progressively, without rushing,” he says ironically.
Before insisting on the frustration felt at the time: “It was really painful to watch, I thought to myself: ‘Not again’. Our starts are not good enough and we clearly need to improve on that.”
A lucid analysis, even if the tone remains intentionally light after a ultimately successful weekend.
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A controlled comeback and perfect timing
Because despite this complicated start, Antonelli perfectly rectified the situation. Once clear of Norris, his pace improved significantly, allowing him to return to the fight at the front of the race.
The strategic turning point then came with the accident of Oliver Bearman, victim of a violent crash that brought out the safety car. Unlike his direct rivals like Oscar Piastri and George Russell, who had already pitted, Antonelli was able to take advantage of a “free” stop.
This ideal timing allowed him to take definitive control of the race, before perfectly managing the final 25 laps.
A victory that masks the flaws… but confirms the talent
Despite this delicate moment at the start, Antonelli impressed with his ability to bounce back and manage the rest of the event with authority. A performance praised by Wolff himself.
“The driver played a huge role in ensuring the car didn’t get away at the start. It might look spectacular with the wheelspin, but it’s not effective. Then, in the race, he was able to come back and be there at the right time,” he analyzes.
The Mercedes boss also highlights his driver’s strategic intelligence: “He was very fast, and we managed to extend his stint by one lap, which completely compromised George’s race.”
With this second success of the season, Antonelli confirms his status as a revelation and even becomes the youngest leader in the history of the championship. A resounding feat… despite a start that his boss is unlikely to forget anytime soon.
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