{"id":1864446,"date":"2026-04-03T13:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1864446"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:36:00","slug":"toto-wolff-hails-unpredictable-kimi-antonelli-f1-win-rate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1864446","title":{"rendered":"Toto Wolff hails &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Kimi Antonelli F1 win rate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Toto Wolff hails &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Kimi Antonelli F1 win rate<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Kimi Antonelli has won two of the first three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting him at the top of the drivers&#8217; standings, something Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff describes as an &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; outcome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall , Adam Cooper<\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-03T14:36:00+01:00\">03 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has lauded the \u2018unpredictable\u2019 success of Kimi Antonelli with two wins from the opening three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes entered the season tipped as the team to beat, with George Russell leading the way in the drivers\u2019 market.<\/p>\n<p>Flying somewhat under the radar was Antonelli, who had a mixed rookie campaign last term, with a strong beginning and end sandwiching a disappointing European leg.<\/p>\n<p>This year, however, Antonelli has been on top form, becoming the second youngest race winner in the championship\u2019s history, behind only Max Verstappen, the youngest pole sitter, and most recently, the youngest championship leader.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think when we decided to give him the seat one and a half years ago, we hoped for this trajectory, with the ups and downs that you expect from a young driver aged 18 in the first year,\u201d reflected Wolff.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEventually, second year, the success would materialise, and I think this is happening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, could we have predicted two wins out of three races for Kimi? No. But in Japan, he was quick when it mattered, the luck was on his side, and also I think all of that contributed for him to have this consecutive victory.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44867d36409ccdd92bbc256c5140c5d76e7d2e856576d246eb85a4779d296b74\">  Mercedes chief thought Kimi Antonelli was a \u2018lost child\u2019 when they first met   Why George Russell isn&#8217;t worried about early F1 title battle momentum shift <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In Japan, Antonelli had dropped back to sixth place at the start, an area that continues to be a weakness for the team. Neither Mercedes driver had been able to make quick progress back through the pack, but it was Russell who led the pair before the planned pit stops.<\/p>\n<p>It was this moment that had turned the race, with Russell stopping less than a lap before the intervention, while Antonelli was able to take advantage with a cheap stop, and leap into the lead.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking after the race, Wolff revealed that poor luck with the safety car was just the tip of the iceberg on a difficult weekend for Russell.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-5922fa0f19e2583a97a7174a4554e00347fe370c9bc6c414119e961fcaa43ae0\">  Why Mercedes is wary of F1 rivals despite unbeaten start to 2026   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think the race went against him, starting with the qualifying set-up decisions that put the car in a spot where it was, literally, from FP3 to qualifying, much worse,\u201d explained Wolff.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen, at the start, certainly, we don\u2019t give the two drivers the best tools for the start, but then there were also driver mistakes at the start. Then, we had to make the call before the safety car, because we were risking a position to (Charles) Leclerc, and luck fell on Kimi\u2019s side. He was very quick at that stage, and it was bad luck for George that he lost his positions there. On top of that, we had a software glitch that gave him a super clip, and he got overtaken by Leclerc. So this is literally everything that went wrong for him over 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Toto Wolff<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> How Ferrari will work to close down Mercedes in April F1 break<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403938_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-123a454d8c1e0093d104418f4932512de2ef66d9931556b5b27fe76ba0d83776\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-47d6a9d85ee9490c54b67573ef790f51f31363561ea4f78d1c962a05394627e2\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How likely is Max Verstappen quitting F1 and what are his options? <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774951059\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403785_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen faces a big decision over his F1 future\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Costly George Russell \u201cbug\u201d exposes true complexity of new F1 engines<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774883250\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell had to settle with fourth in Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Wolff doubts sparring partner Horner will return to F1<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774879413\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202406280569.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wolff and Horner endured a heated F1 rivalry \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff pokes fun at botched start that left Antonelli \u201cvery mad\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774875049\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404668_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli was critical of his race start in Japan \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mercedes blames \u201cbug\u201d on George Russell missing Japan F1 podium<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774771596\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404423_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"George Russell, Mercedes, Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 Formula 1 world championship standings after the Japanese Grand Prix<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774768555\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Kimi Antonelli has won two of the first three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting him at the top of the drivers&#8217; standings, something Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff describes as an &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; outcome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has lauded the \u2018unpredictable\u2019 success of Kimi Antonelli with two wins from the opening three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes entered the season tipped as the team to beat, with George Russell leading the way in the drivers\u2019 market.<\/p>\n<p>Flying somewhat under the radar was Antonelli, who had a mixed rookie campaign last term, with a strong beginning and end sandwiching a disappointing European leg.<\/p>\n<p>This year, however, Antonelli has been on top form, becoming the second youngest race winner in the championship\u2019s history, behind only Max Verstappen, the youngest pole sitter, and most recently, the youngest championship leader.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think when we decided to give him the seat one and a half years ago, we hoped for this trajectory, with the ups and downs that you expect from a young driver aged 18 in the first year,\u201d reflected Wolff.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEventually, second year, the success would materialise, and I think this is happening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, could we have predicted two wins out of three races for Kimi? No. But in Japan, he was quick when it mattered, the luck was on his side, and also I think all of that contributed for him to have this consecutive victory.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44867d36409ccdd92bbc256c5140c5d76e7d2e856576d246eb85a4779d296b74\">  Mercedes chief thought Kimi Antonelli was a \u2018lost child\u2019 when they first met   Why George Russell isn&#8217;t worried about early F1 title battle momentum shift <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In Japan, Antonelli had dropped back to sixth place at the start, an area that continues to be a weakness for the team. Neither Mercedes driver had been able to make quick progress back through the pack, but it was Russell who led the pair before the planned pit stops.<\/p>\n<p>It was this moment that had turned the race, with Russell stopping less than a lap before the intervention, while Antonelli was able to take advantage with a cheap stop, and leap into the lead.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking after the race, Wolff revealed that poor luck with the safety car was just the tip of the iceberg on a difficult weekend for Russell.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-5922fa0f19e2583a97a7174a4554e00347fe370c9bc6c414119e961fcaa43ae0\">  Why Mercedes is wary of F1 rivals despite unbeaten start to 2026   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think the race went against him, starting with the qualifying set-up decisions that put the car in a spot where it was, literally, from FP3 to qualifying, much worse,\u201d explained Wolff.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen, at the start, certainly, we don\u2019t give the two drivers the best tools for the start, but then there were also driver mistakes at the start. Then, we had to make the call before the safety car, because we were risking a position to (Charles) Leclerc, and luck fell on Kimi\u2019s side. He was very quick at that stage, and it was bad luck for George that he lost his positions there. On top of that, we had a software glitch that gave him a super clip, and he got overtaken by Leclerc. So this is literally everything that went wrong for him over 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has lauded the \u2018unpredictable\u2019 success of Kimi Antonelli with two wins from the opening three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season.<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes entered the season tipped as the team to beat, with George Russell leading the way in the drivers\u2019 market.<\/p>\n<p>Flying somewhat under the radar was Antonelli, who had a mixed rookie campaign last term, with a strong beginning and end sandwiching a disappointing European leg.<\/p>\n<p>This year, however, Antonelli has been on top form, becoming the second youngest race winner in the championship\u2019s history, behind only Max Verstappen, the youngest pole sitter, and most recently, the youngest championship leader.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think when we decided to give him the seat one and a half years ago, we hoped for this trajectory, with the ups and downs that you expect from a young driver aged 18 in the first year,\u201d reflected Wolff.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cEventually, second year, the success would materialise, and I think this is happening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, could we have predicted two wins out of three races for Kimi? No. But in Japan, he was quick when it mattered, the luck was on his side, and also I think all of that contributed for him to have this consecutive victory.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-44867d36409ccdd92bbc256c5140c5d76e7d2e856576d246eb85a4779d296b74\">  Mercedes chief thought Kimi Antonelli was a \u2018lost child\u2019 when they first met   Why George Russell isn&#8217;t worried about early F1 title battle momentum shift <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In Japan, Antonelli had dropped back to sixth place at the start, an area that continues to be a weakness for the team. Neither Mercedes driver had been able to make quick progress back through the pack, but it was Russell who led the pair before the planned pit stops.<\/p>\n<p>It was this moment that had turned the race, with Russell stopping less than a lap before the intervention, while Antonelli was able to take advantage with a cheap stop, and leap into the lead.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking after the race, Wolff revealed that poor luck with the safety car was just the tip of the iceberg on a difficult weekend for Russell.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-5922fa0f19e2583a97a7174a4554e00347fe370c9bc6c414119e961fcaa43ae0\">  Why Mercedes is wary of F1 rivals despite unbeaten start to 2026   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think the race went against him, starting with the qualifying set-up decisions that put the car in a spot where it was, literally, from FP3 to qualifying, much worse,\u201d explained Wolff.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThen, at the start, certainly, we don\u2019t give the two drivers the best tools for the start, but then there were also driver mistakes at the start. Then, we had to make the call before the safety car, because we were risking a position to (Charles) Leclerc, and luck fell on Kimi\u2019s side. He was very quick at that stage, and it was bad luck for George that he lost his positions there. On top of that, we had a software glitch that gave him a super clip, and he got overtaken by Leclerc. So this is literally everything that went wrong for him over 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092855\/1\/toto-wolff-hails-unpredictable-kimi-antonelli-f1-win-rate&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Toto Wolff hails &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Kimi Antonelli F1 win rate Kimi Antonelli has won two of the first three grands prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting him at the top of the drivers&#8217; standings, something Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff describes as an &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; outcome. Sam Hall , Adam Cooper 03 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1864446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864446","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1864446"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864446\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1864446"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1864446"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1864446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}