UPDATE: Tensions rise in the Formula One world as former Mercedes driver and Sky Sports analyst Nico Rosberg strongly criticizes team principal Toto Wolff for his recent public comments about rookie driver Kimi Antonelli. The backlash comes after Wolff described Antonelli’s performance at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza as “underwhelming.”
In a surprising turn of events following the race on September 4, 2025, Wolff commented on Antonelli’s struggles, including a costly error during practice and a five-second penalty during the race that dropped him from P8 to P9. Wolff stated, “You can’t put the car in the gravel bed and then expect to be there,” highlighting his disappointment while reiterating his long-term support for the 19-year-old driver.
Kimi Antonelli has emerged as one of F1’s standout rookies this season, amassing an impressive 66 points and currently sitting in 8th place in the Drivers’ Standings, significantly ahead of Isack Hadjar, who has only 38 points. However, his rookie season has not been without its challenges, including multiple errors that have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Rosberg, who raced for Mercedes from 2010 to 2016, expressed his astonishment at Wolff’s public criticism, stating on Sky Sports’ F1 Show, “You can’t criticize him publicly. Kimi is a generational talent, and we all want him to go well.” He suggested that Wolff’s comments might be a strategic move to apply pressure on Antonelli and his family to reassess their approach.
The former champion pointed out the stark contrast in performance statistics between Antonelli and his teammate George Russell, noting a record of 19 to 0 in races and 17 to 2 in qualifying. Rosberg remarked, “It’s a bit strange that it’s still so difficult,” underscoring the unexpected challenges Antonelli faces in his debut season.
This public exchange has raised questions about the support structure surrounding the young driver as he navigates the pressures of Formula One. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on Antonelli as he seeks to bounce back from this weekend’s setbacks.
As the F1 community watches closely, it remains to be seen how Antonelli will respond to the mounting pressures and whether Wolff’s comments will influence his performance moving forward. The next races are crucial for the rookie driver, who must demonstrate resilience and skill as he aims to solidify his position in the competitive landscape of Formula One.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
