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Toto Wolff Shares Bold Verdict on Kimi Antonelli After Tough Mercedes Stint

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Highlights

  • Kimi Antonelli leads 2025 rookie standings with 48 points.
  • Antonelli set youngest pole record at Miami F1 Sprint event.
  • He averages seventh on grid, trailing teammate George Russell.
  • Antonelli became youngest to lead and set fastest lap in Japan.
  • Toto Wolff says Antonelli’s learning curve meets team expectations.
  • Upcoming Canada, Austria, and Britain races pose new challenges.

Toto Wolff has shared his opinion on Kimi Antonelli’s early performances with Mercedes following a challenging start to his Formula 1 career. The team principal says Antonelli is meeting Mercedes’ expectations but still needs more time to fully settle into F1.

After nine races, Antonelli has earned 48 points, making him the top rookie in the 2025 standings. He impressed with a fourth-place finish in his debut race in Australia and became the youngest ever pole-sitter in an F1 Sprint event during the Miami weekend, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s 2008 record.

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Image credit: www.planetf1.com

Antonelli’s qualifying results have averaged seventh on the grid in the sessions he completed. He trails teammate George Russell by just over three-tenths of a second across 11 qualifying sessions, including sprints.

Russell, the senior Mercedes driver, holds an average grid start of 4.7, while Antonelli’s is 7.6. In races where Antonelli has finished, he has averaged 7.8th position compared to Russell’s 4.6, reflecting Antonelli’s steady adaptation to F1’s demands.

In Japan, Antonelli became the youngest F1 driver to lead a grand prix and set the fastest lap in a race. Wolff said Antonelli’s learning curve is solid and aligns with the team’s expectations.

Wolff emphasized the importance of giving Antonelli time and track experience to build consistency throughout race weekends. Antonelli himself highlighted his focus on integrating all aspects of his performance.

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Image credit: www.planetf1.com

He noted the potential shown in recent qualifying sessions, especially at the Spanish Grand Prix where a stronger result was possible. However, he admitted that perfect execution has been elusive and he is working to improve with each race.

In the rookie battle, Antonelli leads comfortably with 48 points, more than double the 21 points of next-best newcomer Isack Hadjar. His quick adaptation stands out despite some challenging weekends.

Antonelli’s progress is closely watched across the paddock, with fans and analysts eager to identify a new star. Meanwhile, Mercedes remains near the top of the championship standings.

George Russell currently sits fourth with 111 points as Mercedes focuses on refining its car for the remaining rounds. Other teams, including McLaren and Ferrari, continue to make headlines.

McLaren’s drivers Piastri and Norris lead the driver standings with 186 and 176 points respectively. As the season continues, Antonelli will have more chances to narrow the gap to Russell and pursue podium finishes.

Upcoming race weekends in Canada, Austria, and Britain will present fresh challenges. For now, Antonelli’s trajectory signals a bright future as Mercedes maintains confidence in their rookie at the start of his F1 journey. The ongoing season has also brought significant discussion about the Monaco GP changes that could impact driver strategies.

In the context of the Monaco race, comparisons are being made with concerns shared by other drivers, including those highlighted in the Monaco GP scenario report, emphasizing how different teams are adapting to evolving conditions.

* The featured image is not a real photograph — it was created using AI.
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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio's Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.

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