Debut season

Wolff: “We’ll be tearing our hair out over Kimi”

Toto Wolff (left) does not want to set the bar too high for Kimi Antonelli.(Bild: AFP/APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Chris Graythen/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

Toto Wolff does not want to raise expectations of his new regular driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli too high. "I'm sure we'll tear our hair out now and again because of Kimi," says the Mercedes team boss, lowering the bar. 

At 18 years and just under 200 days old, Antonelli will go down in Formula 1 history as the third youngest driver of all time in March. The Italian has demonstrated his talent in a number of junior classes in recent years, but Wolff is convinced that he will not finish the coming season without making mistakes.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli starts his first Formula 1 season in March.(Bild: AFP/APA/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

"Keeping expectations in check"
"I'm sure we'll be tearing our hair out about Kimi from time to time, but at the same time we're bound to experience some brilliant moments from him. We have to keep our expectations in check. Kimi is facing a steep learning curve," Speedweek.com quotes the Viennese driver. 

Failed premiere
At the end of August, Antonelli completed his first kilometers in the W15 in Monza training. After the youngster immediately drew some puzzled looks with a best time, the session came to an end for the Italian shortly afterwards, with the car ending up in the gravel after a spin. 

Former driver Kimi Räikkönen also knows that Antonelli will make the odd mistake in 2025. Nevertheless, the Finn is looking forward to the debut season of Hamilton's successor. "I am sure that Mercedes will do everything to ensure that Kimi is excellently trained for the start next spring," said the 45-year-old.