Toto Wolff: Kimi Antonelli should become a bit like Gianni Agnelli

Kimi Antonelli’s first world championship title is secured, but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has hopes for the future: the Italian should “remain relevant for the rest of his life”

Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli is currently the talk of Formula 1: at just 20 years of age, the Italian has secured his first world championship title in the premier class – and, if team principal Toto Wolff has his way, he is set to remain a key figure in the future as well.

“Lapo Elkann once told me about his grandfather, saying that he had managed to remain relevant throughout his entire life,” says Wolff. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Lapo Elkann is not only the brother of the current Ferrari president, John Elkann, but above all the grandson of Gianni Agnelli.

Gianni Agnelli, in turn, was the grandson of Fiat’s founder, Giovanni Agnelli, and from 1966 onwards stood at the helm of the Italian car manufacturer as managing partner and president. Under his leadership, Fiat developed into one of Europe’s largest car manufacturers and Italy’s most significant industrial group.

Agnelli maintained close ties with Enzo Ferrari, was a great fan of the Scuderia and also a passionate collector of its cars. It was also he who saved the sports car manufacturer from financial ruin in 1969 through a takeover.

As a result, Ferrari remained in Italian hands, achieved financial stability and was able to continue focusing on motor racing and the manufacture of luxury cars. Without Agnelli’s intervention, the iconic Italian brand might well be in American, French or even Chinese hands today.

Wolff: Antonelli is set to “remain relevant for the rest of his life”

Agnelli, who died in January 2003 at the age of 81, is still regarded today as one of Italy’s most respected and influential business figures. No wonder, then, that Mercedes team principal Wolff is heeding the advice of his grandson, Lapo Elkann.

“I said to [Kimi Antonelli]: ‘We must work together to ensure that you remain relevant throughout your life,’” reveals the Austrian. “You’ve still got 25 years ahead of you, because you’ll be driving longer than anyone before you has done.”

“I want to be able to look back in many years’ time and say: ‘You’ve remained relevant throughout your life,’” says Wolff of his protégé. “It wasn’t a one-off. We all worked together to support him in the areas where he could improve – simply to make him better.”

Wolff is convinced: more Antonelli titles will follow

“There aren’t many who have truly remained relevant. There have been world champions who have lost their relevance – today, nobody would want to take a selfie with them,” adds the Mercedes team principal, without, however, citing any specific examples.

“That is exactly what I want to achieve with him.” To achieve this goal, however, it would ideally also be necessary for Antonelli to win further world championship titles in the course of his career. After all, it is primarily those world champions who have enjoyed repeated success throughout their careers who are particularly well remembered to this day.

“It’s a sport that relies heavily on technology,” says Wolff. “Just like with George Russell, we need to provide him with a car that allows him to compete for victories. If we manage that, I’m convinced he’ll be in contention for further titles. [In diesem Jar] was the first – and there will be more to follow.”