Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has hailed Kimi Antonelli as an Italian 'superstar' on a par with tennis champion Jannik Sinner, following the 19-year-old's victory at the Miami Grand Prix. Antonelli's third consecutive win puts him 20 points clear of teammate George Russell in the drivers' championship, marking a remarkable start to his second Formula One season.
Wolff described Antonelli's performance in Miami as his best yet, noting his composure in a tight battle with McLaren's Lando Norris. 'It reminds me of his karting days or Formula 4, there were no mistakes today,' Wolff said. The Austrian praised Antonelli's development, stating that his speed was always evident but he is now refining the finer details.
Antonelli's rookie season was marred by unforced errors, but he has quickly adapted to a car that is leading the field. Wolff admitted that the team did not expect such a dominant run. 'We've given him a car that is very good, and an engine that is right, but how he's been able to monetise on that every single weekend is special,' he said.
Wolff also drew parallels between Antonelli and Sinner, who has won tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid during the same weekends as Antonelli's victories. 'Now that they are not qualified for football, it's all about Sinner and Antonelli, and Antonelli and Sinner,' Wolff said. 'Sinner won in Madrid, so it's the two that are superstars.'
