Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, is seen in this photo taken at Imola.
Toto Wolff says Mercedes’ back-to-back victories in Austria and Silverstone will not “influence” his thinking as he weighs up the candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton next season.
A driver short for the 2025 season, much has been written, said and speculated about Mercedes’ driver line-up with the vote split between Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz.
Kimi Antonelli? Carlos Sainz? Toto Wolff is still deciding
While the latter has been billed a “safe bet”, and by Wolff himself, Antonelli is Mercedes’ future.
Despite showcasing his talent for the future and potential to become an F1 World Champion in the junior series, it remains a significant challenge for Antonelli to move up from Formula 2 to a team that competes for race victories and World titles.
However, given the potential to compete for next year’s championship titles based on a quick assessment of their recent progress, is it worth the team taking a chance by putting a rookie in the car?
Wolff maintains that the recent progress of the Brackley squad and the potential scenarios it presents will not influence his decision.
“He reassured the media, including PlanetF1.com, that it has no impact on our thought process.”
“I have consistently emphasized the necessity of a fast car, and once we acquire such a vehicle, we place the driver inside, resulting in captivating experiences. These experiences appeal to numerous drivers.”
However, I believe it is important for us to remain composed and carry on with the season. We should keep our attention on improving the car, and then reassess whether the options remain the same. Winning races doesn’t completely transform everything or cause a complete upheaval.
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On Saturday at Silverstone, the 17-year-old enhanced his prospects of obtaining the Mercedes seat by emerging victorious in the Formula 2 Sprint.
The Italian showcased not only his mental strength but also his adaptability in the challenging circumstances, emerging as the winner. In contrast, six of his competitors, including teammate Oliver Bearman, were unable to complete the race due to the unpredictable conditions.
Wolff explained, “F2 has become quite challenging this year due to the car… It’s evident that both him and Bearman are facing significant difficulties with the car, and he is discontent with his driving performance as well as lacking pace during the races.”
However, witnessing him effortlessly walk over the water on Saturday, occasionally outpacing everyone else by two seconds, it becomes evident that this young man possesses remarkable talent, ability, and immense potential.
“I believe that winning that race greatly relieved the burden he carried.”
Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the Feature race on Sunday because of an accident that was not his responsibility. However, his performance on Saturday allowed him to secure the eighth position in the Drivers’ standings.
As Wolff stood beside Antonelli on the Sunday of the British Grand Prix, they both clapped in admiration of Lewis Hamilton’s last triumphant victory at Silverstone as a Mercedes driver. The significance of that moment was not lost on Wolff.
“I experienced a moment during the British Grand Prix where I witnessed the esteemed British driver completing his checkout process with us. At the same time, in the garage, there was a young Italian who didn’t even possess a driving license, observing this scene. I’m certain he must have thought to himself, ‘One day, I aspire to be like him.'”
“He said, perhaps not here, but maybe in Monza.”
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