The team principal is satisfied with the maturity shown on track by his protégé, but less pleased with how he is being described by the Italian media.
The Kimi Antonelli surprise
Hands up anyone who, at the start of the season, would have bet even one euro on the fact that Andrea Kimi Antonelli – who had already shown something interesting in his rookie World Championship campaign, despite also facing several difficulties – would finish the opening triple-header at the top of the overall standings.
If there is someone who would have at least bet more than one euro on it, that person is undoubtedly Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team principal actually took the decision to replace a legend like Lewis Hamilton with an 18-year-old rookie as a personal challenge.
It was therefore inevitable that the Austrian manager is now enjoying what so far looks like a winning gamble.
Toto Wolff speaks
Wolff spoke about this during a video press conference held in recent days, praising Antonelli’s attitude but also trying – as he has done since the official announcement day – to lower expectations and pressure.
This is especially relevant given that some are already comparing him (also for rather superficial aesthetic reasons) to three-time Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna.
“Regarding Kimi, we have always been very clear about our objectives, about the fact that we expected a first year of learning, marked by strong performances and positive moments, but also by some difficult ones. And that is exactly what we have seen,” Toto Wolff said.
“Now we are in the second year and he continues to grow exactly as we had hoped and predicted.”
“Of course in Italy everyone wants to talk about world championships,” Toto Wolff added, speaking about his protégé in comments reported by the Reuters news agency, “and comparisons with Ayrton Senna come up. It is not something I like to read, because we must not forget that he is 19 years old.”
“In any case, he handles the pressure very well,” he continued. “In the team there are moments when we support him, while at other times we also apply a bit more pressure on Kimi Antonelli. But overall, everything is going according to plan.”
While Toto Wolff is clearly delighted with Kimi Antonelli’s current position at the top of the F1 standings, he remains wary of the “Senna” narrative taking hold. By emphasizing Antonelli’s age and the planned nature of his development, Toto Wolff is attempting to shield the young Italian from the crushing weight of national expectation. As the 2026 season progresses, the balance between supporting the teenager and pushing him toward a potential world title will be the defining theme of the Mercedes garage.
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