Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been effusive in his praise for the young Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli, describing the string of victories that have marked the start of his Formula 1 career as "astounding". Wolff highlighted the champion‑winning performance at the Miami Grand Prix, calling it the best drive Antonelli has delivered so far and a clear sign that the 19‑year‑old is rapidly maturing into a true contender. Antonelli’s achievement is historic: he became only the third driver in the sport’s long history to claim his first three wins in three successive races, a feat he secured by bouncing back from a lost pole position lead to out‑maneuver McLaren’s Lando Norris at the finish. The triumph not only added another trophy to his growing collection but also widened his lead in the drivers’ championship, putting him 20 points ahead of teammate George Russell.
Russell had been widely tipped to become Mercedes’ primary title challenger under the new 2026 regulations, making Antonelli’s dominance all the more striking. "It’s astounding these few races," Wolff said after the Miami race.
"We expected a season of ups and downs, moments of brilliance and moments that make you want to pull your hair out. This year, everything is finally clicking. No one could have imagined a run like this." The team principal went on to explain that the combination of a competitive chassis, a powerful engine, and Antonelli’s ability to extract the maximum from the package every weekend is what sets him apart.
"Giving him a car that is very good, an engine that is right, and then watching him monetize that every single weekend is something special," Wolff added. Antonelli’s rookie year last season was a roller‑coaster of highs and lows, but the young driver appears to have taken a decisive step forward. UK bookmakers have already installed him as the favourite for the Drivers’ Championship, reflecting the confidence the betting market has in his continued success.
Throughout the season, Antonelli has shown a remarkable capacity to recover from poor starts. In six of the first seven races, including two sprint events, he lost positions off the line but then produced a composed drive in the main race. In Miami, he executed a perfect undercut on Norris during the sole pit‑stop window and then defended his lead against the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, with poise beyond his years.
"For me, it was his best race so far," Wolff remarked. "It reminded me of his karting days and his Formula 4 performances – there were no mistakes." Mercedes fast‑tracked Antonelli into the senior team as they searched for a successor to seven‑time champion Lewis Hamilton, who announced his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. While some critics questioned the decision during the 2025 campaign, especially when Antonelli hit a rough patch mid‑season, his recent form has silenced many doubters and reinforced his reputation as a generational talent. After the Miami win, Antonelli admitted he had not expected to be leading the championship at this stage, but he acknowledged that each positive result is boosting his confidence.
"I did not expect it," he said. "We’re living a great moment, but the season is still long and many things can change." Russell, on the other hand, blamed his own struggles in Miami on a personal dislike for the circuit. He will have the chance to test that theory in three weeks’ time at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a venue where the British driver has historically excelled. Antonelli echoed that sentiment, saying, "George will be very strong in Canada – he’s always performed well there.
I feel much more comfortable in the car now, more in control, and we’ll keep trying to give our best. I’ll try to maximise every lap, and hopefully we can repeat this weekend’s performance, depending on how the upgrades work. I’m really proud of the team’s work and I’m enjoying the journey." 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 achieved major victories on the same day – Sinner winning the Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid tournaments – and the media attention on Italy has intensified.
"The easiest part is keeping his feet on the ground within the team. His parents have done a great job of keeping him grounded," Wolff said. "The bigger challenge is the Italian public.
Now that football isn’t qualifying, the focus is on Sinner and Antonelli. We need to manage the hype and the countless requests for his time." Wolff stressed that the team must act as a brake on the growing celebrity status, ensuring that Antonelli remains focused on his development rather than being overwhelmed by external pressure. "We just need to stay calm. Such success for a young man at this stage means all of Italy will be watching.
Sinner is world No 1 in tennis, Antonelli is winning Grands Prix – we have to contain that." Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar moves to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, which also features a sprint weekend. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1 from May 22‑24, with streaming options available via NOW without a long‑term contract. The next few races will test whether Antonelli can maintain his remarkable momentum and whether the team can keep his rapid rise balanced with the inevitable pressures of fame and expectation.