Wolff details the timeline behind Mercedes’ major Kimi Antonelli decision

Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings, holding a 25-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell. The young Italian has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season with the Silver Arrows, etching his name into Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest driver to achieve several milestones, including securing a pole position, winning a Sprint race, and leading the championship standings.

Amid Antonelli’s rapid rise and the growing attention surrounding his performances, Wolff has revisited the decision to bring the Italian into the Mercedes fold. Speaking in an interview with Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Mercedes team principal explained that Antonelli’s debut campaign in 2025 was always expected to be a period of adaptation before making a significant step forward in his second season.

Asked when he first decided Antonelli had the potential to become a Mercedes driver, the 54-year-old revealed that the team began monitoring the Italian from a young age, before officially bringing him into the Mercedes Junior Team in 2019.

Despite praising Antonelli and acknowledging the possibility of the teenager challenging for the drivers’ championship this season, Wolff has refused to rule out Lewis Hamilton’s chances of joining the title battle. The Mercedes boss insisted he has never doubted Hamilton’s ability and believes the seven-time world champion remains capable of competing for victories and championships if he has the right machinery beneath him.

Hamilton currently sits 32 points behind Antonelli in the drivers’ standings, with the Belgian Grand Prix next on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.