'Thrown into the F1 circus' - Toto Wolff voices major concern ahead of F1 season

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced a major concern surrounding Kimi Antonelli, who is set to be "thrown into the F1 circus" in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. 

Antonelli is set for his competitive F1 debut in the season-opener at Albert Park, in what will mark the beginning of Mercedes' new era. 

The 18-year-old will become the third-youngest driver in the history of the pinnacle of motorsport, behind Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen. 

Mercedes has worked with its teenage sensation since he was 11 years old, and have prepared him for his debut season with an intensive training programme. 

Alongside competing in F2 last season, Antonelli completed over 11,000 kilometres in F1 machinery, across TPCs (Testing of Previous Cars), two first practice appearances and the post-season Abu Dhabi test.

Despite Antonelli's extensive running in various F1 cars, Wolff is eager to protect the young driver and is keeping initial expectations low.

"We've been driving with Andrea since he was 11," added Wolff. "Since then he's won everything, every single category, and we've also driven 11,000 kilometres with him in an old Formula 1 car.

"Nevertheless, when you're thrown into the F1 circus as an 18-year-old, you have to be careful not to lose your footing. That's why we're trying to dampen expectations at the beginning." 

Despite Mercedes' gentle Antonelli approach, the Brackley-based team faces pressure to start the season strongly. 

The new season has been predicted as potentially the closest in the history of F1, although Wolff suspects that McLaren has an advantage when it comes to race pace.

"The balance of power after the tests in Bahrain is that four teams are pretty much on the same level on a fast lap, perhaps with a small advantage for Norris," Wolff told OE24. 

"In the race simulations, the two McLarens are clearly ahead, with Verstappen, us and Ferrari just behind."