Mercedes principal Toto Wolff has expressed astonishment at the meteoric rise of Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula 1 season, drawing a parallel between the young driver’s development and a continuously self-improving AI agent.
At just 20 years old, Antonelli is competing in his sophomore F1 campaign, having been fast-tracked to replace Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows for the 2025 season.
His debut season in 2025 was a rollercoaster, particularly during the European rounds, which led some to question the decision to promote the rookie. However, Wolff consistently backed his protégé.
“Last year was according to plan,” Wolff stated. “I said there would be moments of brilliance alongside difficult periods.”
“He started the season feeling like a deer in the headlights. In the car, his performances were extraordinary, but not yet consistent.”
“He went through a negative spell, failing to score points for over nine races. Spa was particularly tough, and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I first told him, ‘You need to wake up here.’ But we never doubted him. That’s why we gave him the opportunity.”
Kimi Antonelli had a rough debut season with Mercedes in 2025
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
The inconsistent results vanished after the winter break as F1 entered a new era, with Mercedes transitioning from midfield contenders to title challengers.
Alongside the team’s progress, Antonelli experienced a dramatic leap in performance, now leading the drivers’ standings over teammate George Russell by 66 points. Wolff admits this rapid ascent was unexpected.
“He came out of the winter with a burst of speed that no one saw coming,” Wolff remarked. “He processed last year’s experiences. He’s been to all the races, felt the media pressure, and it’s as if the system has been processed and saved. That’s why we see the results now.”
“But it’s still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it’s like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That’s the speed.”
“His youth is certainly an asset. The cognitive and intellectual ability to constantly improve is remarkable.”
Toto Wolff stands by his decision to promote Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell
Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
Despite his impressive turnaround, highlighted by a charge to victory from 19th at Monza after an engine penalty, Antonelli remains grounded.
He approaches each race with a calm focus, analyzing mistakes without losing sight of the bigger picture. With a substantial lead over his experienced teammate, he is taking the season one step at a time.
“I just take race by race because you never know what can happen,” Antonelli told Sky Sports after the Italian GP. “Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but next week we have Madrid, and it’s a new challenge.”
“We will have to be on top of the game because it’s a new track for everyone, and it’s going to be important to be on point to maximize track time.”
“I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one, and then the next one again until the end of the season.”
Formula 1 resumes this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, relocating from Barcelona to the new Madring circuit in Madrid.