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Toto Wolff declares Kimi Antonelli survived F1’s ‘cannibals’: a rookie season of resilience

James Taylor by James Taylor
December 15, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Toto Wolff declares Kimi Antonelli survived F1’s ‘cannibals’: a rookie season of resilience

Formula One F1 - British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 3, 2025 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead of the British Grand Prix REUTERS/Andrew Boyers

Kimi Antonelli: The Rookie Who Fought Off Formula 1’s ‘Cannibals’

In a rollercoaster rookie season that would make any driver’s heart race, Kimi Antonelli has emerged as a formidable presence in the cutthroat world of Formula 1. Toto Wolff, the commanding force behind the Mercedes team, has boldly declared that Antonelli “stood his ground” against the sport’s relentless “cannibals” during a year filled with both challenges and triumphs.

Promoted to fill the monumental shoes of Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025, Antonelli made headlines with an impressive fourth-place finish on his debut in Australia, showcasing his prowess amidst grueling conditions. But this was just the beginning. In Japan, he etched his name into the record books as the youngest driver to lead a grand prix while also setting the fastest lap in just his third race—a feat that left fans and competitors alike in awe.

However, the honeymoon phase was short-lived as Antonelli faced a harsh reality check when the season moved back to Europe. His performance hit rock bottom in Italy, prompting Wolff to label his efforts as “underwhelming.” But if there’s one thing that defines true champions, it’s resilience, and Antonelli proved he had it in spades.

With a remarkable comeback, Antonelli dazzled in the final leg of the season, clinching podium finishes in both Sao Paulo and Las Vegas. His drive in Sin City was particularly breathtaking, as he surged from 17th to fourth place, executing a daring one-stop strategy that later saw him elevated to third following Lando Norris’s disqualification.

By the end of the season, Antonelli amassed 150 points, finishing in a commendable seventh place—just a hair’s breadth behind his illustrious predecessor, Hamilton. Mercedes secured second in the constructors’ standings, a testament to the young driver’s impact on the team’s performance.

Reflecting on this tumultuous journey, Wolff shared his mantra of grappling with the highs and lows typical of a rookie season. “Like I have said before, before we started the season, we would see moments of brilliance that show his talent,” Wolff recounted when speaking to the media. “And moments where we’re going to tear our hair out, and these days are going to be the ones that he learns the most.”

Wolff acknowledged the significant learning curve Antonelli faced, reminding everyone that at just 19 years old, he was thrust into the unforgiving arena of Formula 1. “It is the first time he was thrown among the Formula 1 cannibals, and I think he stood his ground,” Wolff stated, leaving no doubt about Antonelli’s potential. “There are certainly high expectations for him in the future.”

As the dust settles on this exhilarating rookie season, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for Kimi Antonelli. Will he continue to defy the odds and make his mark among the greats? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this young driver is a name to watch.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonAndrea Kimi Antonellijamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachLewis Hamilton
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