Exclusive: Toto Wolff salutes Kimi Antonelli for bucking 'asshole' F1 trend

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is living proof that a driver does not need to be an “asshole” to be successful in the sport.

Antonelli has enjoyed a prosperous start to the 2026 campaign with six grand prix victories across the opening 11 rounds.

With a further three podiums to his name alongside his wins, Antonelli has established a healthy 50-point lead in the drivers' standings over Lewis Hamilton and has emerged as the favourite to take home the title this year. 

Throughout his early F1 career, Antonelli has been noted for his soft approach to matters both on and off the track.

Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, Wolff believes his mellow attitude differs from many who were successful in the past.

“Everybody loves a fast driver, and when the fast driver is also a nice human being and a person who is supportive of the team that never has a bad thing to say, then obviously it's like a jackpot,” Wolff said.

“In the past, there was the opinion in F1 that in order to be winning, you need to be an asshole, you need to be ruthless and opportunistic. 

“I don't think that Kimi is that. It's just down to driving faster than the others, and being a nice person also.”

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Wolff hails parental impact on Antonelli

Antonelli joined the F1 grid last year and had a challenging rookie campaign as he got up to speed in the sport.

However, his rapid ascension to a championship contender in just his second season has surprised many, including Mercedes themselves.

While Antonelli is still navigating his early F1 career, Wolff does not foresee his attitude changing in the coming years.

“We don't know what will happen in three years,” Wolff replied when asked if he thinks success will change him. 

“For me, it doesn't seem so because he has a really solid upbringing.”

Wolff issued praise to Antonelli's parents for ensuring that the Italian completed his education despite a successful junior career that put him on the path to F1.

“Which driver has done the A-levels or the Baccalauréat? Name me one that has finished school. No one,” Wolff said.

“His parents said, 'On Monday morning after the kart race, you're going to school'.

“In our organisation, we are trying to guide him as much as possible and make sure that he's not losing the plot even if he becomes more and more successful.”