Wolff: Antonelli 'Thrown to the Cannibals' in Strong Rookie Season

Toto Wolff has declared Kimi Antonelli's rookie Formula 1 season a valuable learning experience, praising the young driver's speed and talent while acknowledging the immense pressure he faced. The Mercedes boss described the 19-year-old's campaign as being "thrown to the cannibals," marked by moments of brilliance alongside costly mistakes, but ultimately providing a strong foundation for the future.

Why it matters:

Antonelli was tasked with the monumental job of replacing a seven-time world champion at a top team. His rapid adaptation and ability to handle pressure are critical for Mercedes' ambitions to challenge for championships in the new 2026 regulatory era. Wolff's public assessment sets the tone for the team's confidence in their young driver and manages expectations for the upcoming season.

The details:

• Antonelli started strong with a P4 finish in Australia and secured his first podium with a P3 in Canada, along with his first sprint pole position.
• Wolff noted a difficult mid-season phase, particularly in Europe, where the intense media scrutiny and team responsibilities became overwhelming.
• The team principal famously said Antonelli was "thrown to the cannibals" of F1, highlighting the unique pressures of driving for a top outfit like Mercedes.
• The Italian finished his debut season 7th in the Drivers' Standings with 150 points, contributing to Mercedes' P2 finish in the Constructors' Championship.

What's next:

The 2026 season presents a clean slate for the entire grid with significant new technical regulations. Wolff believes the lessons learned this year have given Antonelli a solid base to build upon, stating, "you know what to expect." With a new car and a year of experience under his belt, Mercedes will expect Antonelli to take a significant step forward and consistently challenge for podiums and victories as the team aims to return to the top.