Toto Wolff has identified the inconsistent performance of Mercedes’ W16 car as a major factor behind 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli’s difficulties adapting to Formula 1. Despite these issues, Wolff regards the struggles as an important part of Antonelli’s development toward becoming a future World Champion.
Entering the 2025 F1 season, Mercedes underwent significant changes, including the departure of Lewis Hamilton, who left after more than ten years to join Scuderia Ferrari. This left George Russell as Mercedes’ lead driver, with Kimi Antonelli promoted from the team’s junior program to fill the second race seat.
Kimi Antonelli’s Rapid Rise and Early Formula 1 Experience
Antonelli, who joined Mercedes’ junior program in 2019, showed remarkable progress through junior racing categories. The Italian teenager claimed multiple titles, including the 2022 Italian F4 Championship and the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 Championship, before winning in both the 2023 Formula Regional European and Middle East Championships. His swift advancement earned him the opportunity to step into F1 with Mercedes.
Wolff has praised Antonelli as a standout talent among the 2025 rookie class, comparing his potential to that of Max Verstappen. Of the six newcomers that season, Antonelli remains the highest-ranked, illustrating early success despite facing a challenging start to his F1 career.
Performance Difficulties Amid Car Issues and Pressure
Antonelli’s progress has been hampered by a series of disappointing results, including a string of races without points and a number of retirements starting at the Imola Grand Prix and culminating at the Belgian GP. However, the Canadian Grand Prix provided a breakthrough, with George Russell winning and Antonelli securing his first podium finish.
Some critics have argued that Mercedes may have rushed Antonelli into F1 too soon, citing his recent downturn as evidence. Wolff, however, has rejected this view, emphasizing the driver’s natural speed and intelligence.
I said it right from the start: he’ll make mistakes, we know that, and we wouldn’t have taken him on if we weren’t aware of that,
Wolff said.
He added that the inconsistent W16 car complicates Antonelli’s adaptation process.
But going through these difficulties is also part of the process of becoming a champion.
The W16’s unreliability largely appeared after Mercedes introduced a suspension upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. This update made the car more challenging to handle, though reverting to earlier set-ups at the Hungarian GP helped address some of those problems.
Antonelli’s Struggles at Imola and Monaco Highlight Pressure on Rookie
Antonelli’s difficulties began prior to the suspension changes, with his first-season retirement occurring at his home race in Imola, where he acknowledged feeling the weight of added expectations. He then endured a disappointing finish at the difficult Monaco Grand Prix, coming in 18th place.
Speaking before the Belgian Grand Prix, Antonelli admitted to the media, including PlanetF1.com, that
I feel like I have no confidence on pushing
This lack of confidence underscores the challenging learning curve Antonelli faces as a young driver in an elite team.
Mercedes’ Support and Long-Term Commitment to Antonelli’s Development
Despite the recent setbacks, Mercedes remains committed to Antonelli’s growth and does not blame him for the inconsistent performances. Wolff described the situation as a collective learning experience, reflecting the team’s pioneering decision to field such a young driver at the highest level of the sport.
I think it’s a learning experience for all of us,
Wolff explained.
We’ve never had such a young driver on the team, and in general, F1 has never had an 18-year-old in a top team.
Wolff also emphasized the collaborative effort involving the team and Antonelli’s family to build an environment where the young driver can thrive.
We’re all trying to work together, including his family, to create an environment that will allow Kimi to give his best on the track.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli’s experience with Mercedes in 2025 represents a critical phase in his development as he adjusts to Formula 1’s demands combined with car challenges. The team’s recognition of these struggles as part of a learning journey highlights their focus on long-term success rather than short-term results. If Antonelli can overcome the current obstacles, his skill and potential suggest a promising career ahead within Mercedes and the sport overall.
