Wolff: Antonelli Was 'Thrown to the Cannibals' in Grueling Rookie Season

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff offered a brutal yet glowing assessment of Kimi Antonelli's rookie season, declaring the 19-year-old was "thrown to the cannibals" of Formula 1. Despite immense pressure replacing Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli showed flashes of brilliance, securing a podium and a solid seventh-place finish, which Wolff sees as a successful survival and a strong base for the future.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's journey is a case study in how a top F1 team like Mercedes forges a potential champion. Instead of shielding a rookie, they exposed him to the full force of the sport's pressure—media scrutiny, internal team responsibilities, and the weight of replacing a legend. His survival through this trial-by-fire suggests Mercedes may have the right driver and the right method to build a future title contender around.

The details:

• Brutal Honesty: Wolff had pre-season warned of "ups and downs" and "moments where you want to tear your hair out" due to rookie mistakes, a prediction he says came true.
• Thrown to the Cannibals: The team principal described the intense environment as being "thrown to the cannibals," citing the relentless media pressure and the immense responsibility to the hundreds of team members providing the car.
• Mid-Season Struggle: The toughest period came during the European leg of the season, where Antonelli was pulled in every direction. Wolff noted his "good person" character meant he struggled to say no to the constant demands.
• Solid Results: Despite the challenges, Antonelli delivered a breakthrough podium in Canada, a stunning P4 on debut in Australia, and finished 7th in the Drivers' Championship with 150 points, crucially aiding Mercedes' P2 finish in the Constructors' standings.

What's next:

The 2025 season, however grueling, was designed to build a foundation. With the massive rule changes coming in 2026, every team starts with a blank slate. Antonelli, having now survived the "cannibals," enters this new era with invaluable experience. He knows what to expect from the pressure and is no longer just a rookie, but a driver ready to help lead Mercedes' charge for future championships.