Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has hailed his newly crowned Formula One world champion as a transformative figure for the sport, contrasting the young driver's values sharply with what he characterised as self-serving competitors who complain constantly and lack integrity. According to The Guardian, Wolff's remarks came after Kimi Antonelli secured the championship in Mexico City on Sunday, cementing an extraordinary rise that saw him become the sport's youngest champion at just 20 years old in only his second season.
Antonelli clinched the title with a third-place finish at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. According to The New York Times, the Italian finished with 380 points, 119 ahead of second-place Max Verstappen, and secured the crown with four races still remaining in the season. At 20 years and 68 days, Sky Sports reported that Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest champion by three years and became the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Wolff articulated a vision of modern Formula One that stands in stark contrast to what he views as an outdated mentality.
This notion of win at all costs, selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit, that model of racing driver has died. We have a new champion that represents values. Humility, integrity, loyalty, respect. Being himself. He should be a role model for many other young drivers.
The Mercedes principal then directed his criticism toward unnamed drivers on the grid, suggesting they should examine their own conduct.
He should be a role model for the few entitled ones in. The endless moaners on the radio. The ones that complain, the ones that crash. Look at this kid of 20 years and then think what you can do in order to improve. That's the message to these kids.
Wolff made clear that Antonelli's character extends beyond mere talent, emphasising that the sport's leadership shares his assessment.
That is how the FIA, that Mohammed, that Stefano, that I would want to see racing drivers in the future. That is modern Formula One. Kimi represents the modern Formula One driver, because of those values, not only because of his talent. The talent is there with everyone. But you got to be a good person too and he has demonstrated that you can beat everyone out there by being a good person.Wolff was referring to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali.
Antonelli's season has been marked by consistency and clean racing throughout. Fellow world champions including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have publicly praised the young driver, while his Mercedes teammate George Russell acknowledged being outperformed by the Italian's honest and fair approach to competition. At the Mexico City Grand Prix, The New York Times reported that Verstappen won the race with Hamilton finishing second and Antonelli third, while Russell was penalised for spinning Isack Hadjar on lap one and finished sixth.
The Italian's rise has been extraordinary. Earlier in the season, Antonelli surged from 19th to victory at Monza, extending his championship lead to 66 points and prompting Wolff to compare his performance to F1 greats. By September, the 20-year-old had secured five consecutive wins and was leading the championship by 59 points ahead of his home grand prix.
Retaining his number as a symbol of humility
Despite earning the right to display the No 1 on his car as world champion, Antonelli has chosen to retain his current number.
I'll stay with No 12 because obviously it's a very special number for me but also it's a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble. I feel like by keeping No 12, it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve.Antonelli selected the number as a tribute to Ayrton Senna, who used it during his early career with Lotus between 1985 and 1987 before claiming his first world title in 1988 for McLaren.
A moment with two legends
Following the race in Mexico, Antonelli was lifted aloft on the podium by both Verstappen and Hamilton, two of the sport's greatest drivers who finished first and second respectively. The moment resonated deeply with the newly crowned champion.
I will definitely frame that picture and put it in my house. It's just an incredible moment. To see so much respect from two incredible drivers in the history of the sport is truly special that will live and will always be remembered.
What happens next
Although Antonelli has already secured the championship, the 2026 season continues with four remaining rounds. The São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled for 6–8 November, followed by Las Vegas on 19–21 November, Qatar on 27–29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4–6 December.
