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Toto Wolff · Australian Grand Prix paddock, Melbourne 2026

Wolff told Antonelli to treat title pressure like he did at 12

Archive photograph: Toto Wolff · Australian Grand Prix paddock, Melbourne 2026 · 2026-03-07Archive photo · 2026-03-07 · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Toto Wolff said Kimi Antonelli found the early title congratulations difficult to handle before the Mexico City Grand Prix. Wolff's advice was to remember that the pressure was no different from what Antonelli had felt at 12.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Before the Mexico City Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli was already receiving title congratulations, Toto Wolff said. After the race, the Mercedes team principal recounted that Antonelli came to his office, closed the door and said it was difficult to hear the praise on Friday or Saturday, when he felt “the job wasn't done.”

Wolff's message was that Antonelli had felt the same pressure at 12 and should simply do his own thing.

Wolff said the advice lifted the weight from Antonelli's shoulders. Antonelli left the office visibly happier and ready to get on with the job, according to Wolff. On Sunday, Antonelli won his first world title in Mexico City.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEToto Wolff reveals how Kimi Antonelli came to his office with title pressure “on his chest”Motorsport.com F1