P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff missed out on signing Max Verstappen to Red Bull back in 2014.
Toto Wolff has been informed that Kimi Antonelli is the solution for not signing Max Verstappen as a teenager in 2014. Antonelli, the Italian protégé, has been impressive at Mercedes in 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton.
He has achieved 48 points in six races and broke Verstappen’s records in Japan as the youngest driver to lead a lap and set a fastest lap. Antonelli’s performance has helped Mercedes improve and ease Wolff’s past regrets.
According to former IndyCar racer Hinchcliffe, Antonelli has handled the high expectations well despite being touted as the next Verstappen and Hamilton’s replacement. Hinchcliffe praised Antonelli’s composure and work ethic, highlighting his ability to not let pressure affect him.
While acknowledging Antonelli’s strengths, Hinchcliffe pointed out the need to narrow the qualifying gap to Russell. He believes that Antonelli’s trend of improvement will continue, despite Russell currently leading the qualifying head-to-head.
