Toto Wolff stresses F1 2026 title talk “not good” for Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has cooled talk that Andrea Kimi Antonelli could challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 world title following his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old Italian became the youngest driver to claim a grand prix pole position in China, before going on to convert it into a maiden win in Sunday’s 56-lap race.

Antonelli beat Mercedes team-mate George Russell to the win as the Silver Arrows sealed its second consecutive one-two at the start of the 2026 season.

"It's been a while since I've been in F1 but that podium now was probably one of the best moments I've had in F1," Mercedes team principal Wolff told Sky Sports F1.

"The three of them, with Bono [Peter Bonnington] right in the middle, who has been with Lewis forever and basically taking over Kimi and making Kimi what he is today. To be honest, it's rarely that I'm overwhelmed but that is such a moment.

"I think it's [the first victory] maybe come earlier than I thought because last year we said that it's going to be a difficult year with many ups and downs, and mistakes.

"Then bang, second race [this season], he's controlled it from the front, driven very well today. So he's probably a little bit better than the trajectory that I thought.”

The victory leaves Antonelli just four points behind Russell in the world championship, and has fuelled talk he could fight for a maiden drivers’ crown this year.

But Antonelli’s father, Marco Antonelli, was quick to downplay such suggestions when asked about his son’s championship chances.

"I don't know honestly because Kimi is young and I think he's not perfect in this moment," he told Sky Sports F1.

"He's a good driver, of course, but experience is very important and I think George is a very super driver with a lot of experience. It's difficult to beat him.

"The championship is long and this race Kimi did a good job but George was blocked behind the Ferraris [during the race].”

And Wolff echoed the comments made by Antonelli’s father, insisting that such talk is not helpful for his driver.

"You have to keep your feet on the ground, he's had a great race. George was blocked at the beginning so they weren't head-to-head," Wolff noted.

"He will make mistakes and will have great days like today and all of that is going to add to hopefully being a World Champion one day.

“But we shouldn't be carried away with World Championship [talk], it's no good for him and not good for expectations of anyone."