Wolff Hails 20-Year-Old Antonelli as F1 Role Model, Blasting 'Entitled Moaners'
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Nov 2
Wolff Hails 20-Year-Old Antonelli as F1 Role Model, Blasting 'Entitled Moaners'
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 2
Summary
One day after Kimi Antonelli clinched the Formula One title in Mexico, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff cast the 20-year-old champion as the sport’s model for a new generation of drivers.
Wolff said Antonelli’s humility, integrity and clean racing showed that the old “win at all costs” archetype was finished, taking aim at unnamed rivals he called radio “moaners” who complain and crash.
Antonelli sealed the championship with third place in Mexico in only his second F1 season, after a year in which he also comfortably outperformed Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The Italian said he will keep No. 12 rather than switch to the champion’s No. 1 next season, arguing the Senna-inspired number helps him stay grounded and keep improving.
Hamilton, Verstappen and Norris praised Antonelli, and Wolff said senior figures including F1 chief Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem see him as the template for modern Formula One.