Toto Wolff SLAMS Kimi Antonelli’s ‘Underwhelming’ Performance at Monza – Is His Future in Jeopardy?
In a blistering critique that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has delivered a scathing assessment of Kimi Antonelli’s performance during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The young Italian, who was expected to shine in his rookie season, crossed the finish line in a disappointing ninth place, trailing behind rivals Alex Albon of Williams and Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto.
Wolff did not mince words when expressing his dissatisfaction, stating emphatically, “Underwhelming this weekend, underwhelming.” His disappointment stems from a series of blunders that plagued Antonelli throughout the race weekend, including a disastrous early incident that saw him stranded in the gravel during Free Practice 2. This costly mistake set the tone for a lackluster performance that left fans and team members alike scratching their heads.
Despite qualifying on the third row alongside Mercedes teammate George Russell, Antonelli’s race was marred by missed opportunities and critical mistakes. Wolff pointed out that the staggering 27-second gap between the two teammates at the end of the race was unacceptable. “He can’t put the car in the gravel bed and then expect to be there. All of the race was underwhelming,” Wolff lamented.
The criticisms didn’t stop there. Wolff highlighted Antonelli’s struggle to keep pace with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, asserting, “Kimi shouldn’t lose even a second with Gasly.” This lack of competitiveness raises serious questions about Antonelli’s ability to perform under pressure. Wolff emphasized that a driver must not carry the “trauma of previous mistakes” into subsequent sessions, saying, “You’re not going to attack the corner hard if you’ve been off there before.”
As the young driver dropped to eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, trailing Albon, the stakes could not be higher. With sweeping regulatory changes on the horizon for F1 2026, the pressure is mounting for Antonelli to turn things around. Wolff remains optimistic about his potential, stating, “He has this unbelievable ability and natural talent. He’s a racer. This is all there.” Yet, he insists that the team needs to “get rid of the ballast” holding Antonelli back.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, the question looms: Can Kimi Antonelli rebound from this stinging critique and prove his worth in the highly competitive realm of Formula 1? As Wolff seeks to free him up and unlock his true potential, the road ahead will demand resilience, focus, and a steadfast commitment to improvement. The Italian GP may have been a setback, but it has undoubtedly ignited a fire within Antonelli to rise from the ashes of disappointment. Will he seize the opportunity or continue to falter? Only time will tell.
