Wolff predicts timeline for Kimi Antonelli’s first F1 championship win

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, the Mercedes team principal, in his assessment of the young Italian driver and a possible drivers’ championship, stated the Brackley-based outfit expects Antonelli to be able to compete for a drivers’ title within the next few years.

“He is 19. When do we expect him to peak? Three, five years from now, and that’s why that’s the time we need to give him,” Wolff said.

The 53-year-old, however, stated he expects Antonelli’s teammate George Russell to be right at the forefront of a title fight whenever he has machinery competitive enough for a victory.

“Absolutely. Nothing more to add to that,” Wolff said when asked about Russell’s prospects of a championship challenge.

Antonelli has proven to be among the finest talents on the current F1 grid. The 19-year-old finished his debut campaign with the Mercedes outfit, claiming three podium finishes, the most recent being at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Earlier, Mercedes team boss Wolff stated the 2026 car would favour younger-generation drivers over their older counterparts. The Austrian added that the car’s characteristics appear tailored to fit drivers who enjoy more time in the simulator. Wolff concluded by naming Max Verstappen and Russell as drivers he considers favourites under the new regulations.

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