Mercedes to ‘manage expectations’ over 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli’s F1 debut
Toto Wolff reckoned that Mercedes will have to manage their expectations from the rookie Kimi Antonelli in the 2025 season.
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Toto Wolff, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli (via Formula1.com)
Kimi Antonelli is all set to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2025 onwards. The German carmaker has high hopes for the prodigy to showcase great results from the get-go. Amidst the preparations, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff emphasized the need to manage expectations for Antonelli as he’d make his full debut in Formula 1 next season.
Toto Wolff didn’t hesitate to claim that Kimi Antonelli might not be able to showcase the best results possible. As a result, the team might scratch their heads rather than witness brilliance from the rookie at all times. This meant that Brackley would have to ‘manage expectations’ from Antonelli and work harder for the line-up of the team in the 2026 season.
Sometimes we will tear our hair out versus witnessing moments of brilliance from Antonelli in his rookie F1 season. But, it’s also a year of managing expectations for Kimi and preparing our driver line-up for 2026.
Toto Wolff told ORF
Antonelli had the opportunity to test Mercedes’s chassis with the team in the 2024 season. However, the Italian crashed his car a few laps into a specific session and couldn’t participate further. Regardless, Wolff reckoned that the prodigy showcased incredible pace in the laps he could lodge in the car.
He put in an incredible lap in Monza, but unfortunately it only lasted as far as the parabolica. If you looked at the overlays, it was incredible.
Toto Wolf added
Kimi Antonelli showcased ‘impressive’ speed during private testing for Mercedes
Mercedes allowed Kimi Antonelli to participate in private testing with the challenger to get used to racing in Formula 1. Toto Wolff revealed that Antonelli showcased great speed during this private testing in Spa. Wolff reckoned that this performance from the Italian helped Brackley to acquire the prodigy in their driver’s line-up.
In private testing, the great speed with which he got to the limit was impressive. After a test in Spa, they saw a clear step forward and were convinced.
Toto Wolff noted
Mercedes put forth inconsistent performance in the 2024 season and would need a better outing in the coming season. The German carmaker might be able to contend for the world championship with the young and talented line-up. The 2025 season will also put forth multiple changes in the team caused due to Hamilton’s exit.
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