Antonelli's rise at Mercedes draws praise after Wolff's driver call
Kimi Antonelli's form at Mercedes has prompted praise for both the young driver and the team's decision to back him after Lewis Hamilton chose to leave for Ferrari in 2025. Former figures in Formula 1 have also highlighted Peter Bonnington's contribution while stressing Antonelli's own performances on track.
After Lewis Hamilton decided to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025, the team had to choose between signing an experienced replacement or backing a younger driver. Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said Toto Wolff deserves credit for taking that gamble on Antonelli.
Antonelli is now in his second Formula 1 season and became the youngest driver to lead the standings after back-to-back victories in China and Japan. Motorsport.com also reported that he led the championship in the first half of the season with six wins.
Former race engineer Rob Smedley said Peter "Bono" Bonnington has been essential to Antonelli's 2026 title charge, while adding that the Mercedes driver is ultimately the one delivering on track. Former driver David Coulthard also praised Antonelli, calling him a "phenomenon" and rejecting suggestions that his success has come through luck.
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