Photo: Race Pictures

Wolff outlines when Antonelli may reach his peak in F1

20:47, 18 Dec

Updated: 22:15, 18 Dec

byLuke-John Buckle

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff feels Kimi Antonelli may only reach his peak in F1 in 2030, after showing good pace at times in his rookie year.

“When do we expect him to peak? Three, five years from now. And that's the time we need to give him.”

- Toto Wolff

Antonelli came into Formula 1 amid a lot of hype due to his stellar junior career, winning the Italian F4 and FRECA titles. He then replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for 2025 after a single season in F2.

The Italian driver scored three podium finishes across his debut year but struggled throughout much of the races in Europe.

Antonelli showed moments of speed, such as his drive to second place in Mexico. However, he didn't score a point in six out of seven races, either side of a third-place finish in Canada.

Mercedes' rookie is just 19, and Wolff feels that Antonelli may only reach his highest level in five years' time.

He told the Beyond the Grid podcast: “When do we expect him to peak? Three, five years from now. “And that's the time we need to give him.”

Photo: RacePictures

Wolff added that he feels Antonelli is taking steps in the right direction after the Italian's rookie year.

“I think he knows a lot about this sport because that's what he lives and breathes every day.

"But there is the human component that you need to mature as a young man, cope with the dynamics and pressure of this environment. But I mean, no doubt that this is going in the right direction.”

Antonelli is confident of a positive 2026

Antonelli is heading into 2026 after a mixed season for Mercedes and will be hoping to coninue his good trajectory.

The Italian feels Mercedes' engine project ahead of the 2026 regulations overhaul is encouraging.

F1's new power unit with a 50-50 split of internal combustion and hybrid may be a key factor next year.

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