Kimi Antonelli’s rapid improvement makes perfect sense to Toto Wolff
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff isn’t surprised by Kimi Antonelli’s surge in form following another strong showing at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Italian driver grabbed his second straight podium finish in Vegas after both McLaren drivers were disqualified.
“He’s 19 years old, and we always said that the first season can be difficult, and that’s what we’ve seen at times,” Wolff explained.
Being thrown straight into one of F1’s biggest teams hasn’t been easy for the rookie.
“He’s being parachuted into one of the big teams, and he hasn’t known many of the Grand Prix circuits or the pressure that comes with them,” said Wolff. “That’s what I expected in terms of his trajectory.”
Antonelli has been particularly impressive since the European leg of the season wrapped up, showing remarkable growth in just his first year.
Wolff believes things will only get better from here.
“Next year is going to be completely different. The cars are new for all the drivers, not just him. He’s been at the circuits, he’s travelled, and he’s experienced the pressures that come with being a driver.”
“He will be one year older and more mature, so everything is going according to plan.”
This latest podium in Las Vegas continues Antonelli’s upward trend that began as he became more familiar with F1’s European tracks.
Wolff staying put at Mercedes
Despite recent business moves, Wolff has made it clear he isn’t planning to step away from his leadership role at Mercedes anytime soon.
The 53-year-old recently sold 15% of his stake in the team to CrowdStrike co-founder and CEO George Kurtz. The deal valued the Brackley-based team at a staggering £4.6 billion.
Qatar Grand Prix up next
Formula 1 now heads to Lusail for the Qatar Grand Prix.
Want to stay up to date with all the action? Check out GPblog’s paddock updates on YouTube and Spotify so you don’t miss a single moment as the season speeds toward its conclusion.
