Wolff: Antonelli is the example of the modern Formula 1 driver

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised world champion Kimi Antonelli. Wolff said Antonelli represents the modern Formula 1 driver.

Antonelli clinched the championship with four races to spare at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday. The Italian, the youngest world champion in the sport's history, delivered a historic campaign in his second F1 season. He impressed his teammates, rivals and fans with his attitude and youthful enthusiasm.

At the end of a briefing with the written press after the race, Wolff gave a passionate speech about Antonelli. He said that doing everything to win, with a selfish and opportunistic approach, is no longer acceptable. According to Wolff, this kind of driver model is outdated.

Wolff stressed that Antonelli represents values such as humility, honesty, loyalty and respect. He said that young drivers, as well as some established drivers in Formula 1, should take him as an example. He pointed to drivers who constantly complain on the radio, talk back and crash. Wolff said that Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali would also want drivers to race this way in the future.

According to Wolff, talent is found in everyone, but being a good person is also necessary. He said Antonelli has shown that as a good person he can outdo everyone else.