Kimi Antonelli reveals what Toto Wolff told him about Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s 2016 clash

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Kimi Antonelli has revealed that he asked Toto Wolff about Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s feud at Mercedes, as he does not want to repeat it with George Russell.

The 2026 season must feel like deja vu for Mercedes, as they find themselves as the clear favourites for the title, with two drivers who are both desperate to win. Hamilton and Rosberg played out an intense rivalry in the 2010s, coming to blows numerous times.

Things got ugly, notably at the 2016 Spanish GP, where Hamilton and Rosberg were fined £360k for crashing into each other and Wolff even threatened to fire them. Fast forward to 2026, and Mercedes have a similar issue with Antonelli and Russell.

Toto Wolff told Kimi Antonelli about ‘the good and the bad’ of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s 2016 feud

Antonelli is dominating Russell this season, winning the last four races in a row and leading the championship by 43 points. Tensions grew at Mercedes in Montreal as the pair locked horns in the Sprint and Grand Prix.

Many believe that an accident between the two is inevitable, and the young Italian wants to do everything to avoid it. Antonelli knows ‘respect’ is key with Russell, and that will prevent a similar fallout between Hamilton and Rosberg.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he sought advice from Wolff, and the Austrian has stressed that Mercedes remains the priority during the championship battle.

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“The season is still long, we know that. I’m happy because the team is doing great, and I want to repay their efforts by giving my all.

“The challenge with Russell during the season will be tough, but we don’t want to get into tough clashes that will put the team in difficulty.

“I spoke to Toto Wolff about the battle between Hamilton and Rosberg in 2016; he told me the good and the bad, the things we mustn’t repeat. Because the team remains the priority.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli explains his excellent relationship with Max Verstappen

Amid the championship battle, Antonelli appears to be relaxed and has maintained great relationships on and off the track. The Italian has a close friendship with Max Verstappen, with the pair both showing a love for GT racing.

“I know they look at me with respect now, because I’ve shown what I’m capable of. I try to send a clear message because I want to stay ahead; that’s the goal.

“But outside of the paddock, there’s room for friendship, for example with Verstappen, with whom I’ve always gotten along really well.

“We talk about GT, F1, but also about our private lives, our things… ultimately, outside the paddock, we’re just normal guys!”