Lewis Hamilton was replaced at Mercedes by teenager Kimi Antonelli after the Brit’s decision to leave for Ferrari and the Italian youngster has started his Formula 1 career strongly
Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli is “a different character” to Lewis Hamilton as he reflected on the difference between Mercedes drivers past and present. Teenager Antonelli has enjoyed a fine start to life in Formula 1 since he was fast-tracked into the sport for the 2025 season.
Hamilton forced Mercedes chief Wolff to make a huge decision over his driver line-up after deciding to leave for Ferrari. The seven-time champion at least gave his boss plenty of notice, having communicated his decision before last season even began.
After assessing his options for several months, Wolff decided to bring someone who he believes can be the next superstar of the sport into the fold. Mercedes junior Antonelli was promoted into Hamilton’s seat after a stellar junior career which has raised expectations.
And so far he has been matching them. Antonelli is sixth in the championship heading into the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend with 30 points to his name – five more than Hamilton has managed so far as he struggles to adapt to life as a Ferrari driver.
His impressive start to life as an F1 driver prompted Martin Brundle to ask Wolff in the Jeddah paddock whether he believes he has the next Hamilton on his hands. In response, the Mercedes chief avoided giving a direct answer but made it clear he is delighted with the Italian’s efforts so far.
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Wolff said: “I think they are different. I’ve been with Lewis for a long time, Kimi, as a character, is his own character in a way. He’s been so successful in the junior formulae and in go-karting – probably the best track record of any of those drivers.
“He’s hard enough in the car but he’s also bringing the team with him. So it’s super interesting to manage a driver who is very different to how Lewis was and how George is, or Max.”
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George Russell has more than double the number of points Antonelli has managed in the same car, with three podiums from the first four Grands Prix of the year. But, as Wolff pointed out, that is to be expected given the Brit is vastly more experienced in F1 and is leading the team now Hamilton has left.
He added: “It’s important to tackle it actively and say that he’s learning. George’s level is very high – this is Formula 1 and I always said to him in karting and the junior formulae, ‘You’ve never been exposed to such a field of the best drivers in the world’, and I’ve been here for a long time.
“It would have been weird if he came in on George’s pace, because that would have meant that George was not maybe on the max level, and George is. This is why it takes time. We’re really having fun. We had lovely moments and a lot of fun with Lewis too, but with the new energy, with an 18-year-old in the car, there’s almost an easiness that we have.
“George brings in the lap times and Valtteri [Bottas] is a contributor too. He was a superstar at Mercedes and he is coaching [Antonelli]. Kimi is listening – sometimes Formula 1 drivers don’t think they can learn from others – but Kimi is open-minded. Valtteri seems to enjoy himself, while of course seeking another race seat opportunity.”
