Wolff: ‘Ups and downs’ a normal part of Antonelli’s development

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Kimi Antonelli’s recent struggles are just a natural part of his rookie development in F1, stressing that the 18-year-old’s early-season performances proved his potential and that patience is key.

Antonelli burst into his debut Formula 1 campaign with a standout fourth place in Australia, followed by a sprint race pole in Miami and a maiden podium in Montreal.

But after the Canadian Grand Prix – where team-mate George Russell took victory – Mercedes’ upgrade package unsettled the W16, and Antonelli’s results dipped with retirements in Austria and Britain, plus a lowly finish in Belgium.

“Kimi obviously started very strongly with a race that was fantastic under wet conditions and some spectacular overtakes on the Sunday,” Wolff said in Mercedes’ mid-season debrief.

“All of us have never doubted his performances. We knew there would be ups and downs – that's part of the development curve.

“In Miami in the sprint qualifying, he had his first pole, and that was completely on merit. The next highlights followed, with a podium in Montreal.

“We mustn't forget he's 18 years old and he's going to learn a lot. He's going to make mistakes – and on other days he's going to be brilliant. Long-term, that’s what just is completely normal.”

Recovery in Budapest

After a run of frustrating weekends, Mercedes revised their set-up ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, restoring Antonelli’s confidence. Russell claimed a podium in third, while the Italian rookie salvaged tenth place to secure his first point of the European leg.

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“It was tough, it was tough,” Antonelli admitted, commenting on his race.

“First of all, it was not the plan to do one-stop. But then considering the position where we were, we decided to just keeping going given the pace was quite decent.

“Especially when I was in free air, we were able to improve the time and be consistent. But yeah, it was difficult, it was difficult. Happy to have brought home the first point of the European season.”

Confidence Rebuilt

Antonelli said a return to a previous rear suspension specification helped him feel more at one with the car in Budapest – something he hopes will carry into the rest of the year.

“I am really happy that my confidence in the car has come back this weekend. I leave Budapest feeling much more comfortable after moving back to the previous rear suspension. Yesterday’s qualifying was just a shame as the pace was clearly there.

“We can take this feeling into the second half of the season and look forward to it with optimism now.”

With Wolff’s public backing and a renewed sense of control behind the wheel, Antonelli’s attention will now turn to translating this stability into consistent results as his rookie season continues.

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