Mercedes team boss Wolff praises Antonelli as potential F1 great

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the 20-year-old Italian champion Kimi Antonelli has "nothing to prove" and possesses the qualities to join the sport’s all-time greats. Antonelli secured the world title in Mexico City on Nov. 1, becoming the first Italian F1 champion in 73 years.

Wolff told Reuters that if Mercedes provides Antonelli with a competitive car, he will continue to win, and even if another team supplies a car, he expects Antonelli to succeed. "He has all the ingredients of putting himself in a league with the great ones," the Austrian added.

Addressing rumours of Ferrari interest, Wolff said the possibility is understandable for a young Italian but emphasized Antonelli’s appreciation for Mercedes’ role in his development. "We have a very long contract with him. I would have no doubt of him driving for us even without a contract," he said.

Wolff recalled that some critics questioned the decision to place a rookie in a top team, calling it reckless and suggesting Antonelli needed another year in Formula Two. He noted that none of those critics have apologized.

Antonelli has recorded nine race wins, including five consecutive victories, and has triumphed at his home Italian Grand Prix, Monaco and Spa. Wolff highlighted the driver’s dominance in karting and junior single-seaters over the past eight years.

The Mercedes boss said other champions, such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, recognized Antonelli’s talent early on. He also stressed that Antonelli is protected by a strong support structure, including family and mentors, and is not at risk of being distracted by fame.

"If we provide him a car in the future then he's not going to be a one-hit wonder," Wolff said. "He has all the ingredients of putting himself in a league with the great ones." "We have a good structure around him. His family, he has all the right values. He has the right mentors around."