Wolff says Antonelli would not have lasted at other teams

Formula 1 is a demanding environment for young drivers, and rookies who fail to perform quickly can face a short leash, according to the piece's framing. Mercedes took a significant gamble by promoting teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton.

Team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged that there was a difficult period during Antonelli's rookie season in 2025. The report says Wolff does not believe the Italian would have lasted at other teams during that spell.