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Wolff doubts Antonelli would have lasted at another F1 team

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-08GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

Wolff says Mercedes trusted its data and Antonelli’s potential through a difficult nine-race spell in 2025, when he scored three points.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Toto Wolff doubts Kimi Antonelli would have lasted at another Formula 1 team after an F2 season he said “wasn't overwhelming” and a difficult nine-race spell in 2025.

Wolff described the spell as nine races without points, but Antonelli scored three points across the nine European grands prix.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after Free Practice 3 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Mercedes team principal said the team trusted its data and its assessment of Antonelli’s personality and potential. Wolff described Mercedes’ approach as developing and mentoring the rookie, while shielding and protecting him.

Antonelli had already secured the 2026 world title in Mexico City by the time Wolff made those remarks in Brazil.

Sources 02
  1. SOURCEToto Wolff makes remarkable Kimi Antonelli claim: 'He wouldn't have lasted'RacingNews365 English
  2. SOURCEToto Wolff doesn’t think Kimi Antonelli “would have lasted in other teams”Motorsport.com F1