Toto Wolff reveals major concern over Ayrton Senna Kimi Antonelli comparison

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed concern over the comparisons being made between Kimi Antonelli and three-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna.

In only his second season in F1, Antonelli has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, scoring his maiden win in the second grand prix in China before following that up with another victory in Japan.

Becoming the first Italian since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to score back-to-back race wins has enabled Antonelli to claim the honour of being the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the championship standings, beating a record previously held by Lewis Hamilton by almost three years.

Understandably, particularly in Italy, the clamour is growing around Antonelli, fuelling talk of not only the similarities with Senna, but also whether the 19-year-old can go on to become Italy's first champion since Ascari.

"When it comes to Kimi, we've always been very clear in our objectives," said Wolff, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, in a specially arranged spring break session.

"In our first learning year [together], there were great performances, highlights, and then other moments where it was very difficult.

"Now we're in the second year, and he continues to develop in the team in a way that we had hoped, was forecasted, but at the same time, not by increasing expectations to irrational levels.

"Of course, in Italy, everybody wants to talk about the world championships, and comparisons to Senna come up, which is something which I don't enjoy reading.

"He's a 19-year-old who is visible in Italy, and it's more about decreasing the expectations and pressure rather than increasing them.

"But he copes very well. He has a great personal environment. In the team, there are times when we put our arms around him. Other times, we exercise more pressure, but overall, everything is coming together as expected."

No 'all-year miracle' from Antonelli

Wolff recognises that whilst Antonelli has driven superbly for his two wins, certain factors have played a part.

Conversely, team-mate George Russell, who won the opening race in Australia, has been on the receiving end of those factors, leading to him trailing Antonelli by nine points heading into F1's return in Miami at the start of May.

It has again led to Wolff lowering expectations around Antonelli that he is ready for a title tilt this season.

"We were hoping to find an outstanding driver, but bearing in mind his age and his relative lack of experience, that it would take at least a season [for him] to find his feet," said Wolff, referring to the team selecting Antonelli as the replacement for seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

"That's happening, but at the same time, [we are] not expecting an all-year miracle.

"We've seen some very good racing so far this season, fewer mistakes. There's also been the odd situation where he's benefited from certain racing outcomes, strategies, safety cars, but that's going to swing in both directions. That can go for you or against you.

"But he is on the trajectory that we were hoping for."