Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has offered a psychological deep dive into Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s efforts and determination to mould Kimi Antonelli into a F1 world champion.
While the young Italian currently sits atop the Drivers’ standings, Steiner suggests there’s more than just talent behind the 19-year-old’s rapid ascent. In his view, Wolff is seeing something bigger play out – something personal.
Antonelli’s rise has been swift and emphatic. After a learning year in 2025, the young Italian has exploded into title contention, winning twice in the opening three races and going head-to-head with team-mate George Russell.
For Steiner, however, the story isn’t just about raw speed – it’s about long-term planning finally paying off, and perhaps a lingering “what if” from the past.
“With Kimi, Toto still thinks back when he didn't get Verstappen at the time and this is now a little bit of revenge for him, 'I got the next superstar',” Steiner told the Drive to Wynn podcast.
The reference is clear. Years before Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion, Mercedes had the chance to bring him into its fold. Instead, he chose Red Bull, leaving Wolff and Mercedes to watch from the outside as a generational talent slipped through their fingers.
Now, Steiner suggests, Antonelli represents a second chance – and a statement.
No favourites, just results
Despite framing Antonelli as something of a “project,” Steiner is equally clear that Wolff won’t let sentiment interfere with the bigger picture. With a potential intra-team title fight brewing between Antonelli and Russell, he expects a level playing field.
“I don't think he has to do a lot of management with George,” Steiner said. “George stands on his own two feet. I think Toto is treating them equally.
“He's very fair with them, because George came up through the Mercedes ranks, Kimi came up through the Mercedes ranks.”
©Mercedes
In Steiner’s eyes, both drivers are products of the same system, although they followed different paths – and both are being given the same opportunity to deliver.
“Toto is above that, to favour one or the other,” insisted Steiner. “For him, the most important thing is that the team wins.
“That's what Toto wants. Toto is there for Mercedes and Toto.”
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Domenicali: Antonelli the ‘fresh blood’ Formula 1 and Italy needWhether Antonelli ultimately delivers a championship remains to be seen. But if Steiner is right, his emergence already carries extra weight inside Mercedes.
It’s not just about winning races – it’s about rewriting a narrative that began when Verstappen chose a different path.
And now, with Antonelli leading the standings, Wolff may finally feel like he has his answer.
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