Toto Wolff makes stunning Kimi Antonelli claim that will shock Ferrari

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has insisted that he has no fears about young star Kimi Antonelli jumping ship for Ferrari in the future.

A number of prominent figures in F1 have claimed that the Italian joining his 'home' team is simply a matter of 'when' rather than 'if', but Wolff backed the 'loyal' driver to stay put.

Antonelli wrapped up the drivers' championship a couple of weeks ago in Mexico City, becoming the sport's youngest champion by some three years - although he won't officially lift the trophy until the end of season awards dinner.

Mercedes wrapped up the constructors' title a week later in Brazil, their first since Red Bull snapped an eight-season Silver Arrows streak in 2022, while Ferrari are on the longest team title drought in their history (18 seasons and counting).

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Wolff: I can't afford a party holiday, for the team's sake

Speaking to Bild after wrapping up the team title and associated prize money, Wolff was asked what his celebratory drink of choice was - with the interviewer noting that Michael Schumacher had favoured a Bacardi and Coke in his driving days.

"I'm really boring about that," the Austrian admitted.

"I don't drink alcohol during the season because I have to be 100 percent fit, and alcohol makes my jet lag worse. But on the Sunday after the race in Brazil, I treated myself to a vodka shot on the plane with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton."

He added: "I'm not just the team principal, I'm also the CEO. I can't afford a party holiday - even if it's just for a day or a night. Behind the race team are over 1,500 employees who are part of this success.

"I have to be there for them just as much as for the team at the track. Especially since we're not resting on our laurels and the many congratulations. Yes, we've won both world championships, but we want to do it again next year!"

'Loyal' Antonelli going nowhere

The conversation moved on to Wolff's young phenom Antonelli, with the Austrian insisting that his concern level that the 20-year-old's eyes might wander to Ferrari as '0.0 per cent', adding: "Because Kimi and his family are loyal people."

Pressed on whether loyalty alone is enough in the cutthroat F1 business, he continued: "In this case, I'm convinced, yes. But we don't rely solely on loyalty. This season has shown that we can win races and titles.

"That's the most important thing for every driver. Including Kimi. He belongs to Mercedes like wheels belong to a car. That's why, after winning his title, he said he couldn't imagine driving for any other team besides Mercedes."

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