Toto Wolff Expresses Regret Over Mercedes D…read more
Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has confessed to having second thoughts about his decision to debut young driver Kimi Antonelli during last season’s Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli, a highly-rated rookie, was given his first taste of F1 action in front of his home crowd at Monza, where he participated in the Free Practice 1 session. That same weekend, it was announced he would be taking over Lewis Hamilton’s seat in 2026 as the seven-time world champion heads to Ferrari.
However, the weekend did not go as planned. Driving George Russell’s car, Antonelli suffered a crash that ended his session prematurely, casting doubt on whether the pressure of the occasion was too much too soon for the teenager. Reflecting on the incident, Wolff acknowledged that the team might have miscalculated by placing such expectations on the youngster at such an emotionally charged event.
“Looking back at last year, it wasn’t our smartest decision to put him in the car at Monza with so much pressure on his shoulders,” Wolff said while speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix. “Then the crash happened, and of course, those kinds of things stay with you.”
Despite the rocky start, Antonelli has since shown great promise throughout his debut season in Formula 1. The highlight so far has been a podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, where he finished third. Wolff praised Antonelli’s resilience and development, noting that the team has deliberately given him room to grow and adapt at his own pace.
“With the podium now, he can confidently say, ‘I’ve shown I’m fast,’” Wolff added. “We’ve allowed him the space to learn, make mistakes, and push when he’s felt ready. That’s what you want from a driver who has the potential to become a champion.”
While Wolff remains supportive of Antonelli, Mercedes now faces a difficult decision regarding its 2026 driver lineup. Both Antonelli and his teammate George Russell are out of contract at the end of the current season. Adding complexity to the situation, rumors are swirling that four-time world champion Max Verstappen could be available for a move, presenting a major opportunity—and a headache—for the Mercedes boss.
When asked whether Russell holds an edge in negotiations due to his long-standing relationship with Mercedes, Wolff acknowledged the Briton’s valuable contributions to the team. “He must be high on the list,” Wolff said. “He’s a race winner with us and has come through our junior program.”
Despite the growing speculation, both Antonelli and Russell seem unfazed, choosing instead to focus on their performances this season. Russell began the year in strong form, even being mentioned as a surprise title contender at one point. However, his performance has dipped in recent races, putting pressure on him to reassert his value to the team.
As the second half of the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Wolff as he weighs his options for Mercedes’ futu
re driver lineup.
