Toto Wolff 'revenge' verdict delivered after Max Verstappen rejection

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested Toto Wolff is taking “revenge” by fielding Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

Antonelli was promoted to the Silver Arrows in 2025 and endured a mixed debut campaign in F1. However, a more positive start to this year has seen him secure two grand prix wins in the opening three rounds.

The Italian currently leads the drivers' championship and has been praised for his strong performances at such an early stage of his career.

As the title battle appears set to play out between team-mates Antonelli and George Russell, Steiner has backed Wolff to maintain equality in the fight.

“I don't think he has to do a lot of management with George,” Steiner told the Drive to Wynn podcast.

“George stands on his own two feet. I think Toto is treating them equally. 

“He's very fair with them, because George came up through the Mercedes ranks, Kimi came up through the Mercedes ranks.”

Mercedes signed Antonelli several years ago during his karting career as it sought to develop its own future star.

Several years earlier, the team had attempted to sign Max Verstappen, but the now four-time champion opted to join Red Bull’s academy after being guaranteed an F1 seat in 2015.

Steiner has suggested that Wolff’s decision to run Antonelli at Mercedes so early in his career stems from a desire for “revenge” after missing out on Verstappen.

“With Kimi, Toto still thinks back when he didn't get Verstappen at the time and this is now a little bit of revenge for him, 'I got the next superstar',” Steiner said.

“Toto is above that, to favour one or the other. 

“For him, the most important thing is that the team wins. That's what Toto wants. Toto is there for Mercedes and Toto.”