James Hinchcliffe admits Toto Wolff’s treatment of Kimi Antonelli is making him ‘nervous’

Follow us on Google Discover

Toto Wolff has been looking to shield Kimi Antonelli from expectation and hype during his 2026 title fight, but James Hinchcliffe is ‘nervous’ that this could backfire.

The Italian leads the championship by 20 points after the first four rounds of the season. Antonelli has won the last three races from pole position and is establishing an advantage over experienced teammate George Russell.

Fill in the gap: Kimi Antonelli will win _ world championships in his career

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Antonelli looks in control at the moment, but Mercedes are doing their utmost to ensure that things are not blown out of proportion. Team principal Toto Wolff has constantly tried to play down expectations for the 19-year-old.

In fact, Wolff has limited Antonelli’s contact with the Italian press, as he could be poised to become the nation’s first champion since Alberto Ascari. The Mercedes boss is keeping his young talent close, but Hinchcliffe is ‘nervous’ about this treatment.

James Hinchcliffe worries Toto Wolff’s protection of Kimi Antonelli could backfire

Wolff has admitted he is ‘scared’ of Antonelli’s start to 2026 as he fears that the Italian could make mistakes. As Hinchcliffe points out, he does not have to do this with Russell, who has the maturity and experience not to rely on his boss’ support.

Speaking via F1 Nation, Hinchcliffe admits that he is ‘nervous’ over Wolff’s treatment, as there could be problems if Antonelli gets too downbeat after a mistake or too big-headed after a win.

He said: “Toto Wolff, even post-Miami, is still saying, ‘We have to protect him. We’ve got to make sure he stays grounded. We’ve got to make sure that the good days don’t big him up too much, that the bad days don’t get him down too much.’

If Kimi Antonelli wins the title, how much would it damage George Russell’s reputation?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“You don’t have to do that with George. George has a level of experience and a level of maturity that, he can go through a whole season without another phone call from Toto and he’ll be fine.

“Kimi… the team is still outwardly projecting that they kind of have to bubble wrap this kid a little bit because they need to make sure he stays in this place.

“And if anything makes him deviate off that, there could be issues, that’s just one of those things.

“As an investor, when you’re looking at betting your life savings on something, that’s an element that makes me nervous compared to George, who’s a bit more of a known quantity in that sense.”