Antonelli’s rapid rise delights Wolff after stunning 2026 start

Toto Wolff has praised Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, calling the teenager’s surge to the top of the standings “unpredictable.” The Mercedes driver has claimed two victories from the opening three grands prix, a turnaround few anticipated after a rookie campaign marked by inconsistency.

Last year, Antonelli impressed early and late but struggled through the European rounds; this season he has emerged transformed, becoming the second‑youngest race winner in F1 history, the youngest pole sitter and now the youngest championship leader. Wolff admitted Mercedes expected progress in year two but not this level of dominance so soon. He highlighted Antonelli’s decisive speed in Japan and the slice of luck that helped secure back‑to‑back wins. While George Russell entered 2026 as the team’s projected title contender, Antonelli’s rapid ascent has reshaped expectations, positioning him as one of the season’s most compelling storylines.