Toto Wolff has taken responsibility for Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s crash during his first Formula 1 outing at the Italian Grand Prix last year, acknowledging that it may not have been the best decision to put him in the car at his home race.
Antonelli’s debut was cut short by a major crash at Parabolica, raising doubts about his suitability to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, but Mercedes stood by him and have seen promising performances from him this season, despite rookie errors.
Antonelli’s highlight was securing sprint pole in Miami and then finishing third in Montreal, building momentum as he heads into the upcoming race in Austria.
His breakthrough podium finish in Canada has boosted his confidence and he aims to drive more relaxed, focusing on improving his practice approach and exploring grip levels to arrive better prepared for qualifying.
While Wolff has moved on from the Monza incident, Antonelli admits that the crash still weighs on his mind, affecting his cautious approach to practice sessions.
Looking ahead, Antonelli is determined to shed his conservative mindset and take a step forward in his development as an F1 driver, hoping for a successful weekend in Austria to continue his progress.
