Toto Wolff has admitted that even he has been surprised by the rapid growth of Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season, likening him to an "AI agent" that is always improving. The young Italian's commanding victory at his home race in Monza was the latest proof of his remarkable development.
The 20-year-old is in just his second F1 season after being fast-tracked as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who left Mercedes ahead of 2025. His debut campaign was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a difficult spell that raised questions about Wolff's decision to promote him so early.
Wolff revealed that last year was according to plan, but there were tough periods. "He had a negative spell where he made over nine races without scoring points. I remember Spa was terrible for him and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I first said, 'listen, you've got to wake up here'. But never doubting," the Austrian explained.
However, after the winter break, everything changed. With F1 entering a new era of regulations, Mercedes returned to title contention, and Antonelli has flourished. He now leads the drivers' standings, 66 points ahead of teammate George Russell – a leap that even Wolff admits he didn't see coming.
"He came out after the winter, out of the blocks in a way that no one saw coming," Wolff said. "The ability, how he processed last year. He's been at all the races. He's seen the pressure of the media, the attention that he gets. It's in a way that the system has been processed and saved. And that's why [he's had] the results that we've seen afterwards."
Wolff added: "It is still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it's like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That's the speed. Also his age is for sure beneficial. The ability cognitively, intellectually to constantly become better."
Antonelli's charge to victory at Monza, where he started from pole and held off intense pressure, was a statement of intent. It not only delighted the tifosi but also reinforced Wolff's belief that the decision to promote him was the right one.
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Juan Pablo Montoya menilai Mercedes seharusnya melakukan double-stack pit stop untuk George Russell saat VSC di GP Italia, yang bisa mengubah hasil balapan.
Toto Wolff memuji perkembangan Kimi Antonelli yang pesat di F1 2026, menyamakannya dengan AI agent yang terus belajar. Kemenangan di Monza menegaskan potensinya.
Toto Wolff memuji perkembangan Kimi Antonelli yang pesat usai menang di GP Italia, menyebutnya seperti 'AI agent' yang terus belajar. Antonelli kini puncaki klasemen F1.
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