P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff urged to end ‘horrible moment’ for ‘generational talent’ with immediate contract
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been urged to offer Kimi Antonelli a new contract to help restore the teenager’s confidence during a challenging season plagued by poor results. Antonelli, an 18-year-old rookie, has faced setbacks with multiple retirements and low finishes since the start of the European leg of the F1 season. His difficult weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he qualified last for the sprint and 18th for the race, further highlighted his struggles. Concerns over Antonelli’s emotional state were raised after visibly red eyes were noticed in post-qualifying interviews, indicating a possible breakdown in confidence. Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg empathized with Antonelli’s situation, emphasizing the importance of boosting the young driver’s morale by securing his future with the team through a new contract. Rosberg suggested that Wolff should act swiftly to sign the contract, providing Antonelli with a sense of security and support during this challenging phase of his career.
