F1 Italian GP 2025: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff defends the promotion of rookie Kimi Antonelli to F1

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has defended the decision to promote rookie Kimi Antonelli, calling the young Italian the best option to succeed Lewis Hamilton. According to the Austrian, Antonelli represented the most suitable choice for the post-Hamilton era.

Rookie struggles and high expectations

In the last five races, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has scored points only once. For a rookie of his calibre, who skipped Formula 3 and jumped straight into a top team, it was clear that fans and experts would witness some challenging races. Toto Wolff described it as moments that would make you “pull your hair out,” emphasizing that the promotion was part of a long-term vision to find Mercedes’ next star, perhaps reminiscent of Max Verstappen’s early rise.

Antonelli’s situation drew particular attention after an incident at Zandvoort involving Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Many industry insiders – including former drivers like Jacques Villeneuve – questioned whether the young Italian was ready for Formula 1, especially for a team as ambitious as Mercedes, which aims to return to winning ways starting next year.

Wolff stands by his choice

During Friday at Monza, Sky Sports UK commentator Martin Brundle asked Wolff whether he regretted promoting Antonelli to Mercedes without any F1 experience. Wolff’s response was clear: Antonelli was the best option available.

“I believe, first and foremost, our goal was to give Kimi the opportunity to race in F1 with great enthusiasm. The team needed it too, after Lewis’ departure. For us, he was the best alternative,” Wolff said. He acknowledged that the team anticipated races where the rookie would struggle and others where he would shine. “We knew from the start that some races would make us pull our hair out, and others would be brilliant. So far, the former has been more frequent, but we remain confident,” the Austrian added.

The debate continues

Meanwhile, Antonelli is still waiting for a contract renewal with Mercedes. Wolff’s decision continues to divide fans and experts alike: some see in the Bolognese driver a raw talent that will flourish over time, while others consider the leap to a top team a premature gamble.

The future of Mercedes’ #12 remains uncertain, suspended between the need to grow away from the spotlight and the immense weight of inheriting the seat left by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.