Kimi Antonelli has publicly praised Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff for his crucial support and guidance throughout a demanding debut Formula 2 season. The 17-year-old Italian driver, who has experienced a rollercoaster year in the championship, revealed how Wolff’s encouragement helped him overcome tough periods and regain his confidence.
Antonelli’s ascent through the motorsport world has been nothing short of meteoric. Skipping Formula 3 entirely, the young driver made the leap straight into Formula 2 this year. This ambitious move came with its own set of challenges, particularly as the PREMA team struggled at the start of the season. Despite these initial difficulties, Antonelli’s performance has improved significantly, culminating in two impressive race victories at Silverstone and Budapest. These wins have placed him seventh in the drivers’ standings with four rounds remaining, highlighting his potential and resilience.
Reflecting on his debut season, Antonelli admitted he never anticipated instant success in Formula 2. “No, because I never expected to go straight into F2,” he shared in an interview with Motorsport.com. “When they informed me that this was the plan, I thought it would be a big jump, because you usually go to F3 first. But at the same time, the challenge was immediately appealing to me. I didn’t plan on coming to F2 and winning everything. I was always aware that the jump from Formula Regional would be very challenging and that I had a lot to learn, which I am still doing.”
The support from Wolff has been instrumental in helping Antonelli navigate these challenges. The relationship between the young driver and the seasoned Mercedes boss has been particularly beneficial during moments of difficulty. Antonelli recounted a pivotal moment from the Silverstone weekend, where he faced a tough qualifying session. “I’m also very happy with the relationship I have with Wolff,” Antonelli said. “In difficult moments, I ask him for advice, and he always looks for a way to give me confidence.”
He continued, “After the disappointing qualifying in Silverstone, I called him because it was a bit of a tough time. We talked a lot, and that conversation gave me back my confidence. The next day, I won, and it was really nice to see him under the podium. When you go through difficult times, I think you come out stronger in the end, also in terms of attitude. Silverstone and Budapest confirmed it.”
Despite his impressive performances and the growing speculation surrounding his future, including potential links to Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes for 2025, Antonelli remains focused on his current goals. “I’m very happy to be considered [for F1], but I’m not asking for anything,” he said. “At the moment, my goal is to do well in Formula 2. Then we’ll see. I still see it as a dream. Yes, I did happen to think about it, but it is a passing thought. In all honesty, I can tell you that for me today, it is still a dream. We’ll see if it comes true.”
As Antonelli continues to navigate his promising career, the support from figures like Toto Wolff will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping his future successes.
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