Wolff says two sponsors left Mercedes over Antonelli promotion

Toto Wolff says two sponsors left Mercedes because the team promoted Kimi Antonelli to Formula 1, recalling that they challenged the choice with the question: “Kimi Antonelli, who is this kid supposed to be?”

Wolff told Sky Sports at the Mexican Grand Prix that other partners stayed with Mercedes and were now reaping the rewards. He did not name the two who left.

Tommy Hilfiger and Puma also left Mercedes at the end of 2024, but Wolff did not say whether either brand was among the two.

Mercedes chose Antonelli for its 2025 seat after Lewis Hamilton announced, before the 2024 season, that he would leave for Ferrari. Antonelli was then 18; he ended his 2024 Formula 2 season with two wins, but his first victory came in the 15th of 28 races.

Wolff said criticism grew louder after Antonelli went nine races in a row without points during his rookie year. He had expected a difficult 2025 and saw the promotion as a project of at least two years, with 2026 meant to confirm what Mercedes had seen in Antonelli. The Italian’s world title in his second F1 season, Wolff said, delivered that confirmation.