Toto Wolff defended Kimi Antonelli after his accident with Charles Leclerc at Zandvoort. Mercedes is banking on his aggressiveness as part of the young driver's learning process.

The controversy at Zandvoort

The Dutch Grand Prix produced one of the most talked-about images of the season: the collision between Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc on lap 53. The young Italian Mercedes driver attempted a risky overtaking maneuver on the inside of turn 3, but suffered understeer and ended up sending the Ferrari into the wall, forcing the Monegasque driver to retire from the race.

The maneuver cost Antonelli a 10-second penalty and two points on his license, as well as knocking him out of the points. However, the most striking thing came later: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff did not hesitate to publicly back his driver.

They want him to be a monster

Far from reproaching him for his mistake, Wolff defended the 18-year-old rookie's drive. “When he puts his visor down, Kimi becomes a monster, and that's what we want. He's always been a fierce competitor, ever since his karting days. We don't ask him to be conservative, but to take risks,” said the Austrian.

Wolff also reflected on what the maneuver would have meant if it had been successful: “During the race, I thought: what would have happened if Kimi had overtaken the Ferrari? The Italian fans would have gone crazy. That's what they want: a driver from their country who takes risks.”

A process with ups and downs

The team principal acknowledged that Antonelli's season has been marked by intense learning. Already in the first free practice session at Zandvoort, the driver had suffered an accident that affected his qualifying position. “We knew that this year there would be moments to tear our hair out and others of brilliance. This weekend sums it up perfectly,” said Wolff.

Although the incident hurt Mercedes in the fight for the Constructors' Championship—where the team trails Ferrari by a narrow margin—Wolff made it clear that the real goal lies in the future: “We're not fighting for the championship right now. The important thing is for Kimi to gain experience. Next year will be decisive.”

Total confidence in the future

Despite the criticism Antonelli has received, the Mercedes boss confirmed that he has total confidence in him. “Kimi is only 18 years old and has joined a giant team like Mercedes. It's logical that he makes mistakes. Of course, we would like the learning curve to be smoother, but his potential is enormous and we have no doubt that he will be a benchmark in the long term.”

With his contract confirmed for next season alongside George Russell, the young Italian will remain in the spotlight. Zandvoort was a blow, but also a reminder that, for Mercedes, Antonelli represents not only the present, but also the future.