Toto Wolff notes Lewis Hamilton’s defence of Kimi Antonelli and the similarities he recognises in his Mercedes heir. Lewis Hamilton supports Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Lewis Hamilton may have left Mercedes after 12 highly successful years to join Ferrari, but his influence in Brackley remains strong — particularly due to his close connection with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The departure of the seven-time world champion in 2025 marked the end of an era for the Silver Arrows, and team principal Toto Wolff filled the vacant seat by promoting one of Formula 1’s youngest ever drivers, 18-year-old Italian sensation Antonelli.

So far, neither Ferrari nor Mercedes have enjoyed consistent success with their 2025 signings. By the summer break, Hamilton sat sixth in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship on 109 points, while Antonelli followed in seventh with 64 points. Hamilton’s 12th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix was his first non-scoring result in a race he finished for Ferrari, while Antonelli claimed 10th in Hungary — only his second points-scoring finish in the previous eight rounds.

Antonelli had also been battling confidence issues with Mercedes’ car. The struggles began after the team reintroduced a rear suspension upgrade in Canada. While that upgrade helped him secure his maiden Formula 1 podium in Montreal, it proved detrimental at most other circuits. His performance at Spa was particularly difficult, ending the F1 Sprint in 17th and the Belgian Grand Prix in 16th, prompting Mercedes to abandon the upgrade.

It was at Spa that Hamilton stepped in to defend Antonelli, offering both public support and personal advice to the young driver who had replaced him. Toto Wolff noted that Hamilton’s gesture came as no surprise, believing that the pair have built a genuine bond. The Mercedes boss explained that Hamilton recognised Antonelli’s talent and the pressures he was under, describing the Italian as a champion in the making. Wolff also emphasised that Hamilton remains an important figure for Mercedes despite now racing in red, with their friendship unchanged and regular communication continuing. He stressed that Hamilton understood the challenges Antonelli faces at such an early stage in his F1 career.

Replacing Hamilton was a major shift for Mercedes, given his long history with the team. Between 2013 and 2024, Hamilton partnered with Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, securing six world championships along the way. In contrast, Antonelli entered the sport as the third-youngest driver ever to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix, making his debut in Australia this season.

Wolff admitted that integrating such a young talent into a top team was a learning process for everyone involved. He explained that Formula 1 has rarely seen an 18-year-old in a front-running seat, and Mercedes were working closely with Antonelli and his family to create an environment that would allow him to perform at his best.

Hamilton, meanwhile, has expressed his belief that Mercedes is providing Antonelli with a strong support system. He has also reflected on his own career, noting that at 18 years old — when he won the Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship in 2003 — he would not have been ready for the demands of Formula 1 in the same way Antonelli appears to be.

Antonelli’s rapid rise through the junior ranks backs up the high expectations. He dominated the ADAC and Italian Formula 4 championships in 2022, then added the Formula Regional European and Middle East titles in 2023. Mercedes accelerated his progression by moving him directly into Formula 2 for 2024, before promoting him to replace Hamilton in 2025 — a leap that has brought challenges, but also flashes of brilliance that underline why Wolff and Hamilton believe he is destined for success.