P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Wolff pinpoints issue causing alarming Antonelli Mercedes slump
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has attributed rookie Kimi Antonelli’s recent performance decline to the inconsistency of the car.
Antonelli, who replaced Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, started impressively with a P4 finish in his debut race in Australia but has since struggled, earning only 16 points in the next seven races.
Despite Antonelli’s challenges, Wolff remains optimistic about the young driver’s future potential in Formula 1.
Wolff acknowledged that Antonelli is a talented yet inexperienced driver who is still learning and adapting to the demands of the sport.
The Mercedes boss also took partial responsibility for Antonelli’s difficulties, citing the team’s inconsistent car as a factor affecting the driver’s performance on track.
As both Mercedes drivers’ contracts expire at the end of the year, speculation had surrounded the possibility of Antonelli being replaced, but Wolff has consistently denied intentions of such a move.
