Antonelli claimed the drivers' title following a dominant campaign highlighted by nine grand prix victories, including triumphs at Monaco, Spa, and his home race in Italy. The historic result follows a challenging 2025 rookie season where rivals openly questioned whether he possessed enough experience for Mercedes. Wolff highlighted that the team backed Antonelli since age 11, investing millions across his junior career to prepare him for this moment. With praise from champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the team remains confident his long-term contract and family support will insulate him from outside distractions.
Key points
Toto Wolff faced widespread criticism from rival drivers and team managers before Antonel…: Toto Wolff faced widespread criticism from rival drivers and team managers before Antonelli proved his capabilities on track.
Established world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both recognized the young d…: Established world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both recognized the young driver's elite talent during competition.
Wolff dismissed rumors of a future move to Ferrari, citing Antonelli's long-term contract…: Wolff dismissed rumors of a future move to Ferrari, citing Antonelli's long-term contract and mutual loyalty with Mercedes.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Antonelli can be one of the greats and has nothing to prove, says Wolff
MEXICO CITY, Nov 1 : Formula One's youngest champion Kimi Antonelli has nothing to prove and could be one of the greats, according to his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
The 20-year-old clinched the title in Mexico City on Sunday to also become the first Italian F1 world champion in 73 years.
Wolff, whose team took Britain's Lewis Hamilton to six of his seven championships and also Germany's Nico Rosberg to the crown in 2016, told Reuters Antonelli had exceeded all expectations and was likely to take more titles in years to come.
"If we provide him a car in the future then he's not going to be a one-hit wonder," said the Austrian ahead of Sunday's race.
"And if someone else provides him with a car in the future, and we are not able, then he's going to win.
"He has all the ingredients of putting himself in a league with the great ones."
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