Overview
- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said Kimi Antonelli is progressing as planned and pushed back on comparisons to Ayrton Senna.
- Antonelli leads teammate George Russell by nine points after wins in China and Japan that put him atop the 2026 standings.
- F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called the 19-year-old “fresh blood” and an asset to the sport with the potential to inspire new fans.
- Domenicali said the Italian’s rise could shift some support in Italy from Ferrari’s brand to a homegrown driver in silver.
- Wolff described a coaching approach that mixes support with pressure and said the teenager is coping well with attention.