Wolff sees F1 history in Hamilton and Verstappen's unforgettable podium moment
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes the image of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lifting Kimi Antonelli onto their shoulders after his maiden Formula 1 championship triumph in Mexico will be remembered for decades.
The Italian's title celebrations produced one of the most striking moments of the season, with two of Formula 1's biggest names joining forces to honour the sport's newest world champion.
Hamilton and Verstappen, who finished second and third respectively, lifted Antonelli into the air during the podium celebrations, creating an image that Wolff believes perfectly captures the passing of generations in Formula 1.
Speaking to the BBC, the Mercedes boss reflected on the significance of the moment and the remarkable circumstances that brought the three drivers together.
"I think this is going to be the iconic photo for many decades to come. What an interesting coincidence that they finished second and third and lifted him up. It's almost like three generations of drivers. They come in like every ten years, and they had the potential future champion on their shoulders when he won his first world championship."
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Photo: Race Pictures
The photograph carries particular significance given the careers of the three drivers involved. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, represents an era in which Mercedes established itself as Formula 1's dominant force, while Verstappen subsequently emerged as the sport's leading figure during Red Bull's period of success.
Antonelli's arrival at the top of Formula 1 now represents another generational shift, with the Italian achieving the ultimate prize at an early stage of his career.
For Wolff, who has overseen Antonelli's development through the Mercedes junior programme, the moment also represents the culmination of years of investment in the young driver's potential.
Wolff credits Antonelli's family for his success
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Beyond the celebrations in Mexico, Wolff also highlighted the influence of Antonelli's family in shaping the character of the newly crowned world champion.
The Mercedes team principal believes the Italian's upbringing has played a crucial role in helping him handle the expectations and pressure that accompany a career at the highest level of motorsport.
"His parents are really down-to-earth people. Father, racing driver, runs his own teams. They have the right values. They're humble. They're loyal. They're respectful. So, certainly a major part in making Kimi who he is today."
Antonelli's father, Marco, has extensive experience in motorsport as both a driver and team owner, providing his son with a close connection to racing from an early age.
That background helped Antonelli progress through karting and the junior single-seater categories before securing his opportunity with Mercedes.
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