Toto Wolff hails Kimi Antonelli as a ‘role model’ for new breed of racing driver

Toto Wolff still sees Kimi Antonelli as the “same kid” who joined Mercedes aged 12 and says the new world champion is a role model for all Formula One drivers.

Antonelli claimed his place in history as the youngest F1 world champion with third place in Mexico City on Sunday – clinching the title with four rounds remaining.

As he leapt out of the car, the emotional 20-year-old was embraced by his parents and younger sister Maggie before receiving a huge bear hug from Mercedes boss Wolff.

The 54-year-old has helped nurture Antonelli in the Mercedes programme, from being signed as a karting superstar to now realising his destiny in just his second season in the sport.

“For me, when he was there in the garage at the age of 11, it seems like a few years ago, not seven or eight years,” Wolff said.

“Because he’s still a kid. We see this world champion in him and the maturity that he has shown.

“But all of us that have been on this journey… I still see the same kid.

“He hasn’t even changed visually a lot. It’s so refreshing. I tried to get hold of him a few weeks ago and said ‘where’s Kimi?’, Kimi, for his birthday, is in the waterpark!”

Antonelli was chosen to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton when he announced his move to Ferrari in 2024, after 12 years and six titles with the team.

Then only 18, it was a big call from Wolff but he maintains he knew instantly that Antonelli was the right replacement.

“When Lewis came to my house that morning, I obviously knew what was happening. The moment he confirmed that he was going to Ferrari, it was instinctive – I knew that Kimi is going to go in the car,” Wolff added.

Antonelli was held aloft on the Mexico podium by Hamilton and Max Verstappen – two drivers with 11 world championships between them.

The Italian’s youthful exuberance shines through his driving and his interviews. The tearful Bologna-born driver spoke passionately about the support of his family and the team having realised his dream.

As Wolff’s post-race media session concluded, he asked to make one more comment.

“I discussed it with Mohammed (Ben Sulayem, FIA president) actually,” he began.

“This notion of win at all costs. Selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit.

“That model of racing driver has died. We have a new champion that represents values like humility, integrity, loyalty, respect. That should be a role model for many other young drivers in junior formulas.

“And should be a role model for the few entitled ones in Formula One – the endless moaners on the radio, the ones that complain, the ones that crash.

“Look at this kid of 20 years and then think what you can do in order to improve.

“That is modern Formula One. Kimi represents the modern Formula One driver because of those values.

“The talent is there with everyone. But you’ve got to be a good person too. He has demonstrated that you can beat everyone out there by being a good person.”

There are four races of the season remaining, starting with next week’s round in Brazil – home of Antonelli’s racing hero Ayrton Senna.

The Italian vowed that the title win was just the beginning and Wolff is certain there are more to come.

He added: “I believe that if we give him the car, he’s going to be in the hunt for more titles. This was the first today. There will be more.”