Wolff explains Antonelli turnaround after tears — SkimNews
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- Kimi Antonelli can clinch the 2026 Formula 1 world title by finishing in the top nine at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1; at 20, he would become the youngest champion, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record by three years.
- Toto Wolff recalled the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, when Antonelli cried in parc fermé after a Q1 elimination, and said critics had claimed the rookie did not belong in Mercedes or Formula 1 after nine races without points.
- Kimi Antonelli has won nine races in 2026 and consistently held the upper hand over Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
- Formula 1 introduced all-new 2026 cars that reset the field, with Wolff arguing the reset particularly benefited Antonelli because every driver had to adapt rather than rely on four-year-old machinery.
- Max Verstappen won the two races before Antonelli’s Austin victory last weekend, making the Italian’s success at the preceding race somewhat of a surprise.
- Kimi Antonelli called his success a “good surprise” and credited Mercedes, his father, performance coach and team environment with helping him relax, block out noise and perform through his 18-month development.
Why it matters: A top-nine finish on November 1 secures Antonelli’s 2026 title without requiring a race win, sharply reducing what he must achieve in Mexico. At 20, the result also makes him F1’s youngest champion, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record by three years.
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