Wolff Describes Antonelli's Recovery

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is extremely pleased with Kimi Antonelli's progress from his difficult start last season to his current form. The 20-year-old Italian is looking to secure the 2026 Formula 1 world championship at this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix.

If Antonelli finishes in the top nine in Sunday's race, he will become the youngest world champion in the sport's history. In that case, he would have beaten Sebastian Vettel's record by three years. This season, the driver has won nine races and has generally held the upper hand over his teammate George Russell throughout the year.

Last season, Antonelli entered Formula 1 with great expectations, but he struggled for much of his rookie season. Wolff recalled that one of the hardest moments was the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix. Antonelli was eliminated in Q1 at that race and broke down in tears. Wolff also drew attention to criticism claiming that a driver who failed to score points in his first nine races should not be at Mercedes.

Wolff believes the new 2026 cars have reset the field and that this has given Antonelli an advantage. He noted that the previous cars had been used for four years and that the other drivers were accustomed to that structure. According to Wolff, Antonelli has made this success lasting through his calm demeanor and his approach to the work. Stressing that the race is not over yet, Wolff said they would see the outcome at the end of the race.