Toto Wolff: Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli has a bright future

The 19-year-old’s third-place finish in Las Vegas strengthened Wolff’s long-held belief in his potential, with the Austrian praising both Antonelli’s race craft and the steady progress shown across the year.

Antonelli has not been immune to the volatility that often accompanies a maiden season in Formula One. The European leg proved especially challenging, marked by unforced errors and a general dip in performance.

Yet Wolff believes these setbacks have helped the youngster establish a solid foundation, pointing to a strong run of results as the season draws to a close.

Mercedes’ internal driver situation also shaped the timing of Antonelli’s contract renewal.

The team spent much of the year locked in protracted negotiations with George Russell, with discussions stalling over contract length and the Briton’s desire for exit clauses amid expectations that Max Verstappen will be a key figure in the 2026 driver market.

Antonelli’s extension was held back until Russell’s future was secured, though Wolff stresses this was never a reflection of doubt in the Italian’s capabilities.

“He’s 19 years old, and we always said that the first season can be difficult. That’s what we’ve seen at times.

“He’s been parachuted in one of the big teams, hasn’t known many of the Grands Prix, and the pressure that comes upon him. And that’s what I expected in terms of trajectory – next year is going to be completely different.

“The cars are new for all the drivers [in 2026], not only for him. He’s been at the circuits… He’s going to be one year older and more mature, so it’s all according to plan at the moment.

“We’ve always said that we expected it to be full of ups and downs, a great moment of brilliance, and a moment where you want to tear your hair out.

“So, this is not the end of the development, this is still very early, very early stages, and I hope we’re going to see more from Kimi next year, more solid performances, and in the many years to come.”