Toto Wolff Shares Heartfelt ‘Receipt’ Moment With Kimi Antonelli After Italian's First F1 Win | WATCH

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 18:05 IST

Toto Wolff fired back at critics after Kimi Antonelli’s first F1 win in Shanghai, reminding doubters who questioned Mercedes’ decision to fast-track the 19-year-old into the team.

Best believe Toto Wolff keeps his receipts.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team boss delivered a pointed message to rookie sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli over team radio after the teenager secured his first Formula One victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

Antonelli dominated Sunday’s 56-lap race at the Shanghai International Circuit, converting a stunning pole position, which already made him the youngest driver in F1 history to start a Grand Prix from pole, into a composed and controlled win.

The 19-year-old briefly lost the lead on the opening lap but quickly regained control and never looked back, eventually finishing more than five seconds ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell.

Toto’s Heartfelt Message To Kimi

Moments after Antonelli crossed the finish line, Wolff seized the opportunity to respond to critics who had questioned Mercedes’ bold decision to fast-track the teenager into F1.

“‘He’s too young. We shouldn’t put him in a Mercedes. Put him in a smaller team. He needs the experience. Look at the mistakes he makes,’" Wolff said over the radio.

“Here we go, Kimi. Victory."

Antonelli joined Mercedes to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton after the Briton moved to Scuderia Ferrari following 12 years with the Silver Arrows.

A Bold Gamble Paying Off

Wolff faced scrutiny when Antonelli was promoted rapidly through the ranks.

The Italian skipped the Formula 3 Championship, moved straight into the Formula 2 Championship in 2024, and stepped into Formula 1 the following season.

Despite some early-season hiccups, including poor starts and a penalty in the China Sprint, Antonelli had already impressed, finishing runner-up at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

For Wolff, however, the Shanghai win is only the beginning.

“This sport is manic depressive," he said. “Today it’s great. In two weeks, we’re in Japan, and if he puts it in the wall, people will say he’s too young.

“So we just keep our feet on the ground."

News sports formula-one Toto Wolff Shares Heartfelt ‘Receipt’ Moment With Kimi Antonelli After Italian's First F1 Win | WATCH

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