{"id":1940635,"date":"2026-05-17T09:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1940635"},"modified":"2026-05-17T09:25:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T06:25:00","slug":"toto-wolff-hails-diligent-mercedes-programme-after-kimi-antonellis-f1-emergence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1940635","title":{"rendered":"Toto Wolff hails &#8220;diligent&#8221; Mercedes programme after Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s F1 emergence"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_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 &#8220;diligent&#8221; Mercedes programme after Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s F1 emergence<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s Formula 1 success is a mark of success for the Mercedes junior programme<\/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 <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-05-17T10:25:00+01:00\">17 May 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:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_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>Antonelli celebrates in Miami<\/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>Toto Wolff has hailed the \u201cdiligent\u201d Mercedes junior programme after the emergence of Kimi Antonelli as a powerhouse of Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli has put his name in the record books in the early stages of the 2026 season, becoming the youngest pole-sitter, the youngest championship leader, the second youngest race winner, and the first driver to convert their first three poles to victories at consecutive races.<\/p>\n<p>This success comes after a mixed rookie season that began and ended strongly, with a difficult European campaign sandwiched between these elements.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Starts have been Mercedes&#8217; Achilles&#8217; heel in F1 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout his junior career with Mercedes, the Italian was noticeably shielded from the media spotlight, with access during his Formula 2 season limited to official FIA sessions.<\/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>Reflecting on Antonelli\u2019s spectacular rise, Wolff told <em>Sky Sports<\/em>: &#8220;You can look like a fool, or you can look well.<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"c49c6956-352c-4807-9c9f-db99eeec5943\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Will Kimi Antonelli be the 2026 Formula 1 champion?<\/h3>\n<dl>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">Yes<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">No<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<div class=\"total\"> Total votes: 0<\/div>\n<div class=\"poll-cta\">  Register  or  Log In  to vote<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-65b015f1d3b3cf51bfa09b98a9ee3e0bdc474414571a5ea2252fb5b0ccc4e58a\">  Max Verstappen&#8217;s race wrecking Nurburgring 24 Hours problem explained   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Mercedes wins dramatic race, Max Verstappen finishes after technical issue <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe junior programme is quite diligent, and if you look at his junior trajectory from mini karts all the way to F2, you see the pace and the speed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Then it just needs the development, and we have given him that last year to make mistakes. And there&#8217;s more to come, but he has good speed [and] character traits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to media, including <em>Crash.net<\/em>, Wolff added: \u201cWhen you look through his trajectory in karting and in the junior formulas, he was just outstanding.<\/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-7b796dcb9bc3fb1f12efe370c974d3e9215ba3a512fb4ee14f656307c08da3bf\">  Max Verstappen keen on Nurburgring 24 Hours return after late-race heartbreak   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Max Verstappen leads as daylight breaks after 18 hours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli has emerged as a surprise early championship leader<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWhen you think about what we said last year, it\u2019s exactly how he has performed and how he has developed. He\u2019s had these great ups, these moments of brilliance, and then moments where he was allowed to make mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe needed to calibrate and continue to mentor him, whilst having pressure on him, but he just takes it so well. He is able to analyse it, but then not overthink it. He compartmentalises it, \u2018Ok, I made a mistake. I put it away\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis year, at the start of the season, he has seen the grands prix, he has worked with the team, he knows the pressure that the media he puts upon him, but nevertheless, we just need to stay calm here, because such a success for such a young man at that stage, all of Italy will be on him.\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\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/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\"> Ex-F1 driver disqualified, loses licence, after Nurburgring 24 Hours penalty<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/24hnbr26_051413151405130ml_ml.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\"> Nurburgring 24 Hours: Max Verstappen\u2019s victory hopes wrecked by late car issue<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605160735_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.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-1dc9fb208556c6805483e75e8ee37cb9939da4a02285a622bd7cfb0df32c4945\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/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-2442a6c51a24482a68c471f958650565648711bb5f53e557909b427cc5ebc6c9\">\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>Nurburgring 24 Hours: Max Verstappen car in third after first hour of racing<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778940060\"> 16\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605150200_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen at the Nurburgring\" 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 &#8220;never seen anything like&#8221; Max Verstappen&#8217;s Nurburgring 24 adaptation<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778937000\"> 16\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/si202605150224_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen at the Nurburgring 24 Hours\" 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>George Russell slated over &#8216;entitled&#8217; F1 championship claim<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778921460\"> 16\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1407088_hires_0.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell in Miami\" 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>George Russell snubbed as Bernie Ecclestone names F1 title contenders<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778745852\"> 14\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1302628_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ecclestone ran F1 from the late 1980s until 2017\" 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>McLaren pinpoints where Mercedes\u2019 F1 car is faster <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778689554\"> 13\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408834_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli made it three wins in a row in Miami \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\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>The reasons F1 title favourite George Russell is on the back foot<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778682953\"> 13\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406475_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell was the pre-season title favourite \" 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&#8217;s Formula 1 success is a mark of success for the Mercedes junior programme<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has hailed the \u201cdiligent\u201d Mercedes junior programme after the emergence of Kimi Antonelli as a powerhouse of Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli has put his name in the record books in the early stages of the 2026 season, becoming the youngest pole-sitter, the youngest championship leader, the second youngest race winner, and the first driver to convert their first three poles to victories at consecutive races.<\/p>\n<p>This success comes after a mixed rookie season that began and ended strongly, with a difficult European campaign sandwiched between these elements.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Starts have been Mercedes&#8217; Achilles&#8217; heel in F1 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout his junior career with Mercedes, the Italian was noticeably shielded from the media spotlight, with access during his Formula 2 season limited to official FIA sessions.<\/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>Reflecting on Antonelli\u2019s spectacular rise, Wolff told <em>Sky Sports<\/em>: &#8220;You can look like a fool, or you can look well.<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"c49c6956-352c-4807-9c9f-db99eeec5943\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Will Kimi Antonelli be the 2026 Formula 1 champion?<\/h3>\n<dl>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">Yes<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">No<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<div class=\"total\"> Total votes: 0<\/div>\n<div class=\"poll-cta\">  Register  or  Log In  to vote<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-65b015f1d3b3cf51bfa09b98a9ee3e0bdc474414571a5ea2252fb5b0ccc4e58a\">  Max Verstappen&#8217;s race wrecking Nurburgring 24 Hours problem explained   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Mercedes wins dramatic race, Max Verstappen finishes after technical issue <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe junior programme is quite diligent, and if you look at his junior trajectory from mini karts all the way to F2, you see the pace and the speed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Then it just needs the development, and we have given him that last year to make mistakes. And there&#8217;s more to come, but he has good speed [and] character traits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to media, including <em>Crash.net<\/em>, Wolff added: \u201cWhen you look through his trajectory in karting and in the junior formulas, he was just outstanding.<\/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-7b796dcb9bc3fb1f12efe370c974d3e9215ba3a512fb4ee14f656307c08da3bf\">  Max Verstappen keen on Nurburgring 24 Hours return after late-race heartbreak   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Max Verstappen leads as daylight breaks after 18 hours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli has emerged as a surprise early championship leader<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWhen you think about what we said last year, it\u2019s exactly how he has performed and how he has developed. He\u2019s had these great ups, these moments of brilliance, and then moments where he was allowed to make mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe needed to calibrate and continue to mentor him, whilst having pressure on him, but he just takes it so well. He is able to analyse it, but then not overthink it. He compartmentalises it, \u2018Ok, I made a mistake. I put it away\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis year, at the start of the season, he has seen the grands prix, he has worked with the team, he knows the pressure that the media he puts upon him, but nevertheless, we just need to stay calm here, because such a success for such a young man at that stage, all of Italy will be on him.\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>Toto Wolff has hailed the \u201cdiligent\u201d Mercedes junior programme after the emergence of Kimi Antonelli as a powerhouse of Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli has put his name in the record books in the early stages of the 2026 season, becoming the youngest pole-sitter, the youngest championship leader, the second youngest race winner, and the first driver to convert their first three poles to victories at consecutive races.<\/p>\n<p>This success comes after a mixed rookie season that began and ended strongly, with a difficult European campaign sandwiched between these elements.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408025_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Starts have been Mercedes&#8217; Achilles&#8217; heel in F1 2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout his junior career with Mercedes, the Italian was noticeably shielded from the media spotlight, with access during his Formula 2 season limited to official FIA sessions.<\/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>Reflecting on Antonelli\u2019s spectacular rise, Wolff told <em>Sky Sports<\/em>: &#8220;You can look like a fool, or you can look well.<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"c49c6956-352c-4807-9c9f-db99eeec5943\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Will Kimi Antonelli be the 2026 Formula 1 champion?<\/h3>\n<dl>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">Yes<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<dt class=\"choice-title not-current-selection\">No<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"choice-result not-current-selection\">\n<div class=\"percent\">0% (0 votes)<\/div>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<div class=\"total\"> Total votes: 0<\/div>\n<div class=\"poll-cta\">  Register  or  Log In  to vote<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-65b015f1d3b3cf51bfa09b98a9ee3e0bdc474414571a5ea2252fb5b0ccc4e58a\">  Max Verstappen&#8217;s race wrecking Nurburgring 24 Hours problem explained   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Mercedes wins dramatic race, Max Verstappen finishes after technical issue <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe junior programme is quite diligent, and if you look at his junior trajectory from mini karts all the way to F2, you see the pace and the speed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Then it just needs the development, and we have given him that last year to make mistakes. And there&#8217;s more to come, but he has good speed [and] character traits.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to media, including <em>Crash.net<\/em>, Wolff added: \u201cWhen you look through his trajectory in karting and in the junior formulas, he was just outstanding.<\/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-7b796dcb9bc3fb1f12efe370c974d3e9215ba3a512fb4ee14f656307c08da3bf\">  Max Verstappen keen on Nurburgring 24 Hours return after late-race heartbreak   Nurburgring 24 Hours: Max Verstappen leads as daylight breaks after 18 hours <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/xpb_1404666_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Antonelli has emerged as a surprise early championship leader<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWhen you think about what we said last year, it\u2019s exactly how he has performed and how he has developed. He\u2019s had these great ups, these moments of brilliance, and then moments where he was allowed to make mistakes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe needed to calibrate and continue to mentor him, whilst having pressure on him, but he just takes it so well. He is able to analyse it, but then not overthink it. He compartmentalises it, \u2018Ok, I made a mistake. I put it away\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis year, at the start of the season, he has seen the grands prix, he has worked with the team, he knows the pressure that the media he puts upon him, but nevertheless, we just need to stay calm here, because such a success for such a young man at that stage, all of Italy will be on him.\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\/1095390\/1\/toto-wolff-hails-diligent-mercedes-programme-after-kimi-antonellis-f1-emergence&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1408994_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Toto Wolff hails &#8220;diligent&#8221; Mercedes programme after Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s F1 emergence Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s Formula 1 success is a mark of success for the Mercedes junior programme Sam Hall 17 May 2026 Share Antonelli celebrates in Miami \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Toto Wolff has hailed the \u201cdiligent\u201d Mercedes junior programme [&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-1940635","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\/1940635","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=1940635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1940635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1940635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1940635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1940635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}