Toto Wolff defends Kimi Antonelli promotion after youngest F1 champion crowned in Mexico

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reflected on the criticism he faced for replacing Lewis Hamilton with Kimi Antonelli, after the Italian secured his maiden Formula 1 world championship. Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history at the Mexico Grand Prix, claiming the title at 20 during his second season in the sport.

Wolff said he had faced doubts over promoting an 18-year-old into the car Hamilton previously drove, and that the pressure grew louder after Antonelli went nine races in a row without points during his rookie campaign. Wolff insisted there was never even the slightest doubt in his mind about the youngster's ability, describing 2025 as the season he had expected and a project over at least two years.

Wolff said the team had to pinch themselves at the achievement, recalling Antonelli as an 11-year-old in junior karting, and added that the confirmation of his potential had arrived in the second year.