Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli has faced one ‘completely inappropriate’ problem in first Mercedes season

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Kimi Antonelli has faced a lot of adversity during his rookie Formula 1 season with Mercedes at the age of just 19.

He was never going to win a drivers’ championship in his first year, but a mid-season slump hit him hard, and the Italian has done well to recover since then.

Mercedes could easily have done what Red Bull did with Liam Lawson and dropped him quickly, but their faith has been repaid recently.

Antonelli secured his second career podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix, fending off a late charge from the ominous Max Verstappen. It was a clear reminder of his talents.

In a recent verdict, Antonelli thinks he will be faster than George Russell, which is quite a bold statement to be making, after being beaten quite firmly in 2025.

After his tough spell, Antonelli says Toto Wolff helped him ‘refocus’ and get back on track, when his confidence easily could have taken a big hit.

READ MORE: F1 fans all make the same ‘nonsense’ claim as Kimi Antonelli breaks Lewis Hamilton’s rookie record

Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli’s ‘legend’ comparison was ‘completely inappropriate’ in 2025

Peter Bonnington privately scolded Antonelli in Monza, and since then, the list of errors that he has been making has decreased.

The Silver Arrows star has scored points at five of his last six races and is starting to challenge teammate Russell on a frequent basis. It might even have the Briton a bit worried.

Fans compared Antonelli to Hamilton and feel as though the two have a very similar driving style, which wouldn’t be a surprise given their backgrounds with Mercedes.

Having watched over his rookie season closely, team boss Wolff doesn’t feel as though his driver has been treated fairly. In fact, he called something about 2025 ‘completely inappropriate’.

“Kimi’s biggest problem is the expectations,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “In Italy, he was already being hailed as a legend.

“That’s completely inappropriate for someone who has only driven 20 Grands Prix. And it’s not good for Kimi.”

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher names Ferrari’s ‘dream’ Lewis Hamilton replacement who could hinder Oscar Piastri’s plans

What Formula 1 records has Kimi Antonelli claimed in 2025?

Although there are still three races to go in his rookie season, Antonelli has claimed several records that he may be holding onto for a while.

Not only is he the youngest driver to have ever led a lap, but he’s also the youngest ever holder of a fastest lap. He managed that at the Japanese Grand Prix, at the age of 18 years and 225 days.

After beating Hamilton’s record (albeit set in a different era), he now has the most points scored by a driver in their first season.

The Belgian Grand Prix was Antonelli’s ‘darkest moment’ as he finished 16th and had a bit of a miserable weekend all-round. He has gathered plenty of experience to use in his sophomore season in 2026.