Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s surprise championship and then blasted the ‘entitled’ drivers and constant radio whiners in F1. Is this the wake‑up call the sport needs?
The 20‑year‑old finished third in Mexico City yet clinched the title with four races left, becoming the youngest ever champion.
At the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Wolff seized the final interview slot to argue that Antonelli’s triumph shows a new path to victory.
He stopped short of naming the drivers he was condemning.
‘I’ve discussed this with Mohammed Ben Sulayem,’ Wolff said, adding that the old ‘win‑at‑all‑costs, selfish, opportunistic’ driver archetype is dead.
‘Our new champion embodies humility, integrity, loyalty and respect,’ he continued. ‘He should inspire junior racers and curb the entitlement of the grumbling veterans.’ In my view, this cultural shift is overdue.
‘Look at this 20‑year‑old and ask yourself how to improve,’ Wolff urged, citing the FIA, Mohammed and Stefano Domenicali as the future model. ‘Kimi defines modern F1 not just by talent but by character.’
He summed it up: being a good person can outshine pure speed.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Wolff also revealed the advice he gave Antonelli before the race, borrowing Lapo Elkann’s words about his grandfather Gianni Agnelli.
‘Elkann told me his granddad stayed relevant his whole life,’ Wolff recalled.
‘I told Kimi we must aim for lifelong relevance. He has 25 years ahead, longer than any driver before, and I want to look back and see his lasting impact.’
‘Few champions stay in the spotlight forever,’ Wolff added. ‘I hope Kimi will be the one people still selfie‑snap years from now.’
Photos from F1 Mexican GP – Sunday
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