Toto Wolff: “Kimi Antonelli can become one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers”. Toto Wolff makes huge prediction about Kimi Antonelli's Formula 1 future.

There was talk that the Italian media should tone down the hype surrounding Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Yet, following the British Grand Prix, it was none other than Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff who made perhaps the boldest statement yet about the current Formula 1 championship leader.

According to Toto Wolff, the young Italian possesses every quality needed to become one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

“He hasn’t won a World Championship yet, so you always have to look at the bigger picture before comparing him with the all-time greats,” Wolff said. “But I think he has every characteristic needed to become one of the greats. Of course, you still have to deliver the results, but he simply doesn’t show any weaknesses.

“He was going through a slightly difficult period, nothing dramatic. Like any driver, you don’t enjoy being sent out first during qualifying. He talked about it with the team in the garage and then completely moved on from it. He compartmentalises everything. It has absolutely no impact on his ability to perform at a high level.

“It’s a real pleasure to watch him develop. You can clearly see how he keeps finding more lap time, and he simply doesn’t make mistakes. I’d say he’s performing at an incredibly high level, especially considering this is only his second Formula 1 season.”

Wolff: “He performs with the maturity of an experienced driver”

The Mercedes boss also reflected on Antonelli’s difficult spell last season, when George Russell consistently held the upper hand, explaining why he believes the young Italian has now taken such a significant step forward.

“Last year he went through a genuinely difficult period, while George was performing very well,” Wolff continued. “But I think he was a victim of the pressure and of arriving in a completely new environment that can overwhelm you when you’re only 18 years old.

“That’s why it’s so remarkable to see the way he has started this season. It’s almost as if he’s already an experienced, mature driver, yet he’s only 19 years old.”