Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been effusive in his praise for Kimi Antonelli, describing the young Italian's recent performances as "astounding" and calling his victory at the Miami Grand Prix the best drive of his career so far. Antonelli, only 19, has already secured his first three Formula 1 wins in as many consecutive races, a feat achieved by just two drivers in the sport's long history.
He clinched the latest triumph by bouncing back from a lost pole‑position lead and out‑maneuvering McLaren’s Lando Norris during the decisive pit‑stop phase. The Miami win stretched Antonelli’s advantage at the top of the drivers' championship to 20 points ahead of his teammate George Russell, who many had tipped to become Mercedes' primary title challenger under the new 2026 regulations. Wolff, reflecting on the weekend, said, "These past few races have been incredible.
We expected a season of ups and downs, moments of brilliance and moments that made you want to pull your hair out. This year, everything is clicking together in a way none of us imagined." He added that giving Antonelli a competitive car and a reliable power unit was only part of the equation; the youngster’s ability to extract maximum performance every weekend is what truly sets him apart. "The car is good, the engine is right, but the way he capitalises on that each race weekend is special," Wolff explained. After a rookie season that featured both promising highs and frustrating lows, Antonelli appears to have taken a decisive step forward.
UK bookmakers have now listed him as the favourite for the Drivers' Championship, a remarkable shift for a driver who was still finding his footing just a year ago. His consistency has been evident: for the sixth time in as many races this season – including two sprint events – he lost positions at the start, yet he produced a mature, strategic drive in Miami, undercutting Norris during the sole pit‑stop window and then defending against reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Wolff described the Miami performance as Antonelli’s best to date, noting that it reminded him of the driver’s flawless karting and Formula 4 days.
"There were no mistakes," he said, emphasizing the driver’s composure under pressure. Antonelli’s rapid promotion to Formula 1 was initially driven by Mercedes’ need to find a successor for Lewis Hamilton, who announced in 2024 that he would move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The decision to fast‑track the Italian was met with skepticism, especially after a mid‑season slump in 2025, but his recent results have silenced many critics, confirming his reputation as a generational talent.
In post‑race interviews, Antonelli admitted he had not expected to be leading the championship at this stage, but he feels his confidence growing with each positive outcome. "I didn’t expect it," he said. "We’re living a great moment, but the season is still long and many things can change." George Russell, meanwhile, blamed his own difficulties in Miami on a personal dislike for the circuit, a claim that will be tested when the calendar moves to the Canadian Grand Prix three weeks later – a venue where the Briton has historically excelled. Antonelli echoed this sentiment, predicting a strong showing from Russell in Canada and expressing optimism about his own comfort and control in the Mercedes.
"I feel much more comfortable in the car and more in control. We’ll keep pushing to maximise every lap, and hopefully we can repeat this weekend’s success in Canada," he said, adding that upcoming upgrades could further enhance performance.
Wolff also cautioned Antonelli against being swept up by the fervour of the Italian public, drawing a parallel with tennis star Jannik Sinner, who has been dominating headlines in the same period. Both athletes have claimed victories on the same days – Sinner winning Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid – and the media hype around them is intense. Wolff, who has overseen seven drivers' championships, stressed the importance of keeping Antonelli grounded. "His parents have done a great job keeping him level-headed.
The bigger challenge is the Italian public, who now focus on Sinner and Antonelli because football isn’t qualifying for them. We have to manage the flood of requests and keep him grounded," Wolff warned. He highlighted the need for a calm environment, noting that such early success brings enormous pressure from an entire nation. "All of Italy is watching him.
We need to keep the handbrake on the hype," Wolff said, acknowledging the delicate balance between celebrating achievements and protecting a young driver’s development. Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, which will also feature a sprint race.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1 from May 22‑24, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Antonelli to see whether his meteoric rise can be sustained against seasoned rivals and the inevitable challenges of a full Formula 1 campaign.