Kimi Antonelli has earned the respect of some of F1’s greatest drivers following his remarkable rise to the pinnacle of the sport. After clinching his maiden F1 title in Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix at the age of just 20, the Mercedes driver has received a lot of praise from Toto Wolff.
The Mercedes boss believes F1 legends like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have recognised Antonelli’s exceptional talent from the beginning.
“When you see the interaction between Max and Kimi, and Lewis and Kimi, it’s always like ‘game recognises game’,” Wolff said. “From the first time Kimi came on track, Max recognised. And they see it by following. You can see it’s different.”
Antonelli finished third in Mexico City behind race winner Verstappen and runner-up Hamilton. The Italian shared the podium with two champions, who lifted him onto their shoulders during the celebrations.
The trio also shared a memorable podium earlier in the season at the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Toto Wolff Calls Kimi Antonelli a Role Model for the Next Generation
Wolff also believes the newly crowned world champion should serve as an example for other drivers, particularly those making their way through the junior categories.
“We have a new champion that represents values like humility, like integrity, loyalty, respect, being himself, and should be a role model for many other young drivers in junior formulas, and should be a role model for the few entitled ones in F1, the endless moaners on the radio, the ones that complain, the ones that crash,” the Mercedes boss said.
Wolff believes that leaders like Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali also want the up-and-coming drivers to be more like Antonelli and have the qualities that he described. Hamilton also recognized the level of maturity shown by Antonelli and said the Italian has an old mind on young shoulders.
Despite all the fame and attention Antonelli is getting at such a young age, Wolff is not concerned about him getting ahead of himself.
Toto Wolff is Not Concerned About Kimi Antonelli’s Growing Fame
Antonelli’s success in 2026 will inevitably bring a lot more attention, recognition and commercial opportunities. However, his boss is not concerned about the young Italian’s newfound fame changing his personality.
The Mercedes team principal also explained how Antonelli still appears surprised by the attention he receives from fans.
“You know, he finds it quite astonishing that people ask for autographs or selfies. He’s like, ‘Really? Is that happening to me?’ So I don’t think he’s at risk of becoming the kind of flamboyant young superstar. It’s not going to happen,” Wolff said.
When Wolff announced Antonelli as the replacement for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2024, he faced widespread criticism for his decision to bring in someone so young to F1.
However, Wolff and Antonelli have since silenced the critics. The Italian secured nine race wins in 2026, five of which were consecutive victories. He also produced a remarkable comeback at his home race, the Italian Grand Prix, starting from 19th on the grid to take the victory. He has undoubtedly etched his name in the history of Formula 1 forever.
More F1 Reading
- ‘I’m Just Going To Take More Risks’: Kimi Antonelli Reveals the Exact Moment His Mindset Flipped for the Championship
- Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly Apologize As Yellow-Flag Penalties Cost Alpine Eight Points
- Charles Leclerc Defends His Turn 4 Move On Teammate That Cost Ferrari Mexico GP Victory
- Mexican GP Result Changes Multiple Times as Penalties Reshape Standings
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‘I’m Just Going To Take More Risks’: Kimi Antonelli Reveals the Exact Moment His Mindset Flipped for the Championship
Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly Apologize As Yellow-Flag Penalties Cost Alpine Eight Points
Charles Leclerc Defends His Turn 4 Move On Teammate That Cost Ferrari Mexico GP Victory
Mexican GP Result Changes Multiple Times as Penalties Reshape Standings
