Toto Wolff opens up on the challenge of pushing Kimi Antonelli while remembering he is still only 19 in Formula 1.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that he can sometimes be too harsh with Kimi Antonelli. Acknowledging that in high-pressure moments he occasionally forgets that, at his core, he is still speaking to a teenager navigating his first full seasons at the top level of Formula 1.
“When we talk to Kimi, we don’t hold back with our words,” Wolff confessed on the Beyond The Grid podcast. He explained that both in positive moments and during difficult weekends, it is essential to remember that Antonelli is just 19 years old, even if the environment around him treats him like a fully established professional in one of the most demanding sports in the world.
On track, Antonelli behaves like a seasoned racer, someone who has been competing at an elite level for most of his life. His racecraft, composure, and speed often give the impression of a far more experienced driver. Off track, however, the expectations placed on his mental maturity can be overwhelming, especially in a team like Mercedes where results and consistency are non-negotiable.
Wolff continued by highlighting the context Antonelli operates in at Mercedes, a team that offers little margin for error. “On top of that, he has an extremely fast and highly experienced teammate, and still, Kimi manages to hold his ground,” the Austrian said. According to Wolff, that ability to remain competitive under such pressure is a clear indicator of Antonelli’s long-term potential in Formula 1.
Toto Wolff reflects on managing Antonelli’s development
Reflecting on his own past, Wolff offered a personal perspective that adds depth to his leadership approach. “When I was 19, I made a lot of mistakes and I would never have known how to deal with that level of pressure,” he admitted. “That’s why sometimes I have to remind myself: ‘Wait, he’s still a kid.’ It’s definitely a valuable lesson for all of us.”
The comments underline the delicate balance Mercedes must strike with Antonelli: pushing a generational talent to grow while also protecting him from expectations that can overwhelm even experienced drivers. In an era where young drivers are promoted faster than ever, Antonelli’s situation highlights the human side of Formula 1 development.
As Antonelli continues to gain experience, Wolff’s reflections reveal a more nuanced approach to leadership at Mercedes, where raw speed must be managed alongside maturity, confidence, and long-term growth in one of the toughest environments in motorsport.