Wolff explains praise email to Mercedes staff after Antonelli title

Toto Wolff has said he wrote a detailed email to all Mercedes staff to recognise people beyond the spotlight after Kimi Antonelli won the Drivers' title in Mexico City. Wolff said he felt the need to thank the wider team, adding that the email did not fully capture the many people involved in the decision-making process and in developing Antonelli.

Deputy team principal Bradley Lord later shared the email on LinkedIn, which Wolff said was how it spread. Wolff described the email as spontaneous, saying he had been praised for giving Antonelli his opportunity.

Antonelli, 20, became the youngest world champion in history and is Mercedes' first Drivers' champion since 2020. Wolff said the Constructors' title, which Mercedes regained at the Brazilian Grand Prix, matters greatly to the team and affects bonuses for staff, while stressing he did not want the team to feel pressure ahead of the race.