UPDATE: Tensions rise in the F1 community as Mercedes AMG team principal Toto Wolff faces criticism for publicly chastising rookie driver Kimi Antonelli after a challenging performance at the Italian Grand Prix on September 4, 2025. Antonelli, who is regarded as a top rookie, secured only a P9 finish, leading to Wolff’s unexpected remarks.
Following a weekend marred by mistakes, including a five-second penalty for forcing Alex Albon off the track, Wolff described Antonelli’s performance as “underwhelming.” This verdict comes despite the rookie’s impressive tally of 66 points, placing him 8th in the Drivers’ Standings—significantly ahead of Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, who has scored just 38 points.
Wolff expressed his ongoing support for Antonelli but did not shy away from critiquing his race weekend. “You can’t put the car in the gravel bed and then expect to be there,” he stated, emphasizing that while his faith in Antonelli’s future remains strong, the weekend’s performance was disappointing.
Former Mercedes driver and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, Nico Rosberg, responded to Wolff’s criticism, suggesting that public remarks could place unnecessary pressure on the young driver. “It’s surprising, because the best approach is to give Kimi the most time possible, in the most calm way,” Rosberg stated on the Sky Sports’ F1 Show. He emphasized that Wolff’s comments could indicate a shift in strategy, possibly aimed at motivating Antonelli and his family to reassess their approach.
Rosberg highlighted the stark statistics regarding Antonelli’s performance, noting that in races, he trails teammate George Russell 19 to 0 and 17 to 2 in qualifying. “The clock starts to tick at some point,” Rosberg warned, recognizing the mounting pressure on the rookie.
This developing situation raises questions about the impact of public criticism on young athletes and the challenges they face in high-stakes environments like Formula One. As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Antonelli responds to this scrutiny and whether he can regain the momentum that once marked his entry into the sport.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this dynamic unfolds in the coming races, making Antonelli’s performance a hot topic in the motorsport world. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.