P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff has claimed some people are placing unrealistic expectations on what Kimi Antonelli can achieve on his F1 debut in Melbourne.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff emphasizes the importance of allowing young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli time to develop in Formula 1 despite high expectations. Wolff acknowledges that many anticipate Antonelli to achieve pole position and victory at the Australian Grand Prix, but he aims to manage unrealistic expectations. While Mercedes achieved multiple wins last season, they may not be frontrunners in Melbourne due to fierce competition among the top four teams. Wolff’s focus is on getting Antonelli acclimated to the rhythm of a full race weekend, prioritizing the learning process over immediate results. Antonelli made a memorable debut during free practice at the Italian Grand Prix last season but faced a setback when he crashed the car. Wolff highlights Antonelli’s ability to learn and grow continuously, shaping his approach towards the young driver’s development in F1.
