Kimi Antonelli recalls jaw-dropping chat with Toto Wolff before F1 promotion

Kimi Antonelli recalled that he was dumbfounded when Toto Wolff revealed his shock promotion to Mercedes F1 team for 2025.

Kimi Antonelli recalls jaw-dropping chat with Toto Wolff before F1 promotion

Kimi Antonelli and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)

Prodigy Kimi Antonelli is all set to debut with Mercedes after replacing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. The 18-year-old debuted with the team mid-way through the 2024 season after participating in a couple of practice sessions. Now, Antonelli has recalled the shocking conversation that he had with Toto Wolff ahead of his imminent promotion to Brackley.

Kimi Antonelli suffered from a crash during his first-ever practice session with Mercedes. This might’ve led the Italian to believe that he wouldn’t get a full-time seat. Regardless, as depicted by the events, Antonelli has received a highly coveted opportunity at Brackley. The 18-year-old recalled that Toto Wolff called him in his office and questioned if the former was ready to drive a Formula 1 car. The debutant pointed out that he couldn’t even speak at that moment.

He called me into his office and said, ‘Are you ready to drive a Formula 1 car?’ I could not even speak in that moment.

Kimi Antonelli said, as reported by GPblog
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Antonelli has already started the formalities with Mercedes ahead of his debut in the 2025 season. The Italian noted that he had a good time with his family before returning to the grid. The 18-year-old reckoned that the time spent was important as he now wouldn’t get much time with the family once the season started.

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I had a good time with my family, which is so important to me because I am not going to see them much once the season starts.

Kimi Antonelli added

Kimi Antonelli reveals his whole family will not attend all races

Kimi Antonelli, born and brought up in Bologna, Italy meant that his entire family wouldn’t be able to travel to all the 24 races in the upcoming season. Antonelli revealed that while his mother, sister, and other members wouldn’t be present, his father Marco Antonelli would be watching him from the sidelines. Hence, spending the final few weeks with them was even better for the 18-year-old ahead of his debut.

Kimi Antonelli alongside his father Marco Antonelli (via Getty)
Kimi Antonelli alongside his father Marco Antonelli (via Getty)

My dad will come to all the races, but my mum, sister, aunt, and grandmother will not be able to do that. So, to rest at home with them and do fun activities together was nice.

Kimi Antonelli noted

Mercedes’ mediocre performance in the 2024 season must find improvement as the team aims to contend for the championship. Moreover, Antonelli must put forth the best results possible to gain a contract extension beyond 2025. The Italian will go up against one of the better drivers on the grid, George Russell, and will also learn a lot in the process.