Toto Wolff Mercedes F1 talks with star driver boost Lewis Hamilton replacement options

Toto Wolff, Mercedes, 2024, Photoshop, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes F1

Wolff Mercedes talks with star driver boost Hamilton replacement options

Toto Wolff played a vital role in a major moment for a Mercedes star

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Monday 12 August 2024 09:57 Updated: 10:14

Mercedes youngster Kimi Andrea Antonelli has revealed how talks with Toto Wolff helped him achieve an incredible career milestone.

The 17-year-old has been tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, becoming the overwhelming favourite when Carlos Sainz announced he will compete with Williams next season.

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Reports suggest Mercedes are set to confirm the Italian as part of their 2025 driver line-up ahead of Monza, despite a difficult season in Formula 2 for the young star.

Antonelli currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship, after being catapulted straight from the Formula Regional championship to F2.

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Kimi Andrea Antonelli achieved his first F2 win at Silverstone

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The Italian finally claimed his first F2 win during the sprint race at Silverstone, opening the way for a feature race victory in Hungary.

Antonelli has admitted to feeling pressure regarding Mercedes speculation, but has recently revealed how talks with Toto Wolff gave him the ‘confidence’ to take his first win.

"I never expected to go straight into F2," he said to Motorsport.com.

"When they informed me that this was the plan, I thought it would be a big jump, because you usually go to F3 first, but at the same time the challenge was immediately appealing to me.

"I didn't plan on coming to F2 and winning everything, I was always aware that the jump from Formula Regional would be very challenging and I was aware that I had a lot to learn, which I am still doing.

Kimi Andrea Antonelli reveals Toto Wolff talks gave him 'confidence'

"I am also very happy with the relationship I have [with Wolff]. In difficult moments I ask him for advice and he always looks for a way to give me confidence.

"I'll give you an example. After the disappointing qualifying in Silverstone I called him because it was a bit of a tough time.

"We talked a lot and that conversation gave me back my confidence, and the next day I won and it was really nice to see him under the podium.

"When you go through difficult times, I think you come out stronger in the end, also in terms of attitude. Silverstone and Budapest confirmed it."

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Toto Wolff Carlos Sainz Williams Kimi Andrea Antonelli