Wolff, on the “impressive” Antonelli: “Whether good or bad, his emotions don’t change in the post-race meeting”

Andrea Kimi Antonellileader of the World Cup Formula 1extended their lead in the championship after winning the Belgian Grand Prix this past Sunday, ahead of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull). In a statement to Motorsportthe head of the Italian in mercedesToto Wolffhas described his pupil as “impressive”.

“We are surprised,” emphasized the Austrian after Antonelli’s new victory. Wolff also said: “We didn’t expect the serenity and structure he brought. With Kimi, whether the session was good or bad, there is no difference in the emotions during the post-race meeting.”

“What’s the problem? How do we fix it? How do we move forward?” According to his boss, those are the questions Antonelli always asks. “That’s new. I think that’s why, when he wins, you hardly see that overflowing euphoria that a 19-year-old would have.”

Born in August 2006, the one from Bologna debuted as a “rookie” in F1 in 2025, shortly after obtaining the superlicense. “I think the first season went as planned,” Wolff said. “There were great moments where his talent shined, and also very difficult moments, such as the long streak of poor results in the middle of the season, as expected.”

“After the winter, also as expected, I already knew the environment, the pressure, the demands of the team in the technical and marketing aspects, and the circuits on which we were going to compete.”

Antonelli is, today, the leader with 45 points ahead of his closest pursuer, Lewis hamilton (Ferrari). However, number 12 has suffered several mechanical problems that have prevented him from scoring more points. He had to abandon Montmelobut also finished without points in Great Britain because of these failures.

“In Barcelonawhen the car stopped, or even in Silverstonehe returned to the pits and it was he who told the team: ‘Well, this is a mechanical sport, these things can happen.’ At only 19 years old! It’s really impressive to see. And I think this mentality and this attitude are probably one of the main factors that have allowed him to be so brilliant, so early in his career,” Wolff said.