Toto Wolff Reveals Sponsor Backlash Over Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes Seat
Two sponsors severed ties with the Mercedes Formula 1 team after leadership chose rookie Kimi Antonelli to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Team principal Toto Wolff disclosed that the departing sponsors questioned who the 18-year-old driver was. Fans also doubted the decision; Antonelli crashed during his first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix.
Data Over Doubt and Sponsor Departures
Wolff told Sky Sports that the team lost two sponsors who questioned who the young Italian driver was, while other partners stayed to share in the team’s eventual success. Tommy Hilfiger and Puma departed Mercedes at the end of 2024, and prospective sponsor Gillette chose to join Audi’s project instead. Wolff stated that internal data and Antonelli’s results in Formula 4 and Formula Regional provided clear justification for the promotion, removing any perceived risk. Team leadership, including Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, supported the decision despite external media criticism and partner departures. Volt két olyan szponozorunk, akik otthagytak minket, mivel leigazoltuk Antonellit,
Kétségeket csak a külső partnerek fogalmaztak meg, azok, akik már nincsenek velünk, valamint a média.
Kép: Clive Mason/Getty Images Azzal kezdték, hogy nem gondolhatunk komolyan egy 18 éves srácra Lewis Hamilton utódjaként, főleg, hogy csalódást keltően szerepelt az F2-ben – inkább ott kellene eltöltenie még egy évet, hogy bizonyítson.
Wolff Defends Antonelli Despite Critics and Winless Streak
External critics argued that Antonelli should have spent another year in Formula 2 or completed a multi-year stint at Williams, similar to George Russell’s early career path. Those doubts intensified when the young driver endured a stretch of nine consecutive races without scoring points. Wolff maintained that the promotion was always structured as a multi-year project designed to yield results in the second season rather than immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes Contract
Which sponsors left Mercedes after Kimi Antonelli was signed?
Toto Wolff did not explicitly name the brands in his interview, but Tommy Hilfiger and Puma departed the team at the end of 2024, while prospective partner Gillette joined Audi.
What was Kimi Antonelli’s performance record before entering Formula 1?
Antonelli secured two race victories and finished sixth in the Formula 2 standings before stepping up to the Mercedes seat.
How did Mercedes leadership defend the driver selection against external criticism?
Team principal Toto Wolff relied on internal data and Antonelli’s results in Formula 4 and Formula Regional, securing backing from Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius.