Toto Wolff decided to give Kimi Antonelli his first F1 outing during the Italian GP FP1. However, during the session, the 18-year-old crashed George Russell‘s W15 into the barrier without completing a single lap. Despite high expectations from both fans and Wolff, the outcome was disappointing.
Toto Wolff explained that the challenging circumstances greatly impacted Kimi Antonelli. Monza being a high-profile race added significant pressure to the Italian. Wolff emphasized that having an Italian driver in a top team for the first time in many years brought extra hopes and expectations. For an 18-year-old, this kind of intense focus and high expectations can be overwhelming. Hence, Mercedes team boss thought these factors played a role in Antonelli’s performance challenges.
I think the circumstances are guilty…you are under the magnifying glass because it all happens in Monza, it has been a while since an Italian driver was in a top team, this can be a lot for an 18-year-old.Toto Wolff said.
Wolff, acknowledging Antonelli’s crash, stated that, while it must be very upsetting for him, it’s a part of learning and development. Wolff acknowledged Antonelli’s potential and promise, noting that despite the crash, his time on track showed clear ability. However, the crash happened because the car couldn’t handle the way Antonelli was pushing it. The 52-year-old also requested the media to not put pressure on the young talent.
For him, it certainly feels terrible, but it is part of the development curve. What we see is there is performance, and we have even seen that in the few laps we have seen but what he did, the car couldn’t take.Toto Wolff added.
#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 | Toto Wolff on Kimi Antonelli’s crash: “It is the team that takes the decision whether to hire a driver or not and who to put in FP1 or not and we are running fully conscious into this driver decision, fully conscious of what can happen, what to expect and managing…
— deni (@fiagirly) August 30, 2024
Toto Wolff claims driver decisions were made with full consciousness
Toto Wolff explained that the team is responsible for deciding which drivers to hire and who will participate in practice sessions. He emphasized that these decisions are made with full awareness and careful consideration. The team is fully aware of the potential outcomes and expectations related to these choices. Mercedes manages these expectations carefully. They understand both the possible results and the impact of their decisions on the drivers and the team’s performance.
It is the team that takes the decision whether to hire a driver or not and who to put in FP1 or not and we are running fully conscious into this driver decision, fully conscious of what can happen, what to expect and managing the expectations.Toto Wolff stated.
Certainly, Mercedes made the decision to put Kimi Antonelli in FP1 based on careful analysis, without outside influence. The crash was unfortunate, as Antonelli faced significant pressure driving in F1 for the first time. Fans had high hopes for the 18-year-old, but the circumstances prevented a successful run.
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