He recalled some saying it was a joke for such a seemingly raw rookie to go straight into a top team, with others “bombarding” him with messages saying it was reckless and irresponsible and Antonelli needed another year in Formula Two.
“And then I heard that all year long last year: ‘You saw it was a mistake. He’s too young. He’s too up and down.'”
None of the critics had apologised, said the Austrian.
NOTHING TO PROVE
Antonelli has won nine races, including five in a row. He triumphed at his home Italian Grand Prix by coming from the back of the field and also stood on top of the podium in Monaco and Spa, two of the classics any driver yearns to have on their resume.
Wolff said none of this should have come as a surprise to those who had seen what Antonelli did in the junior series or were aware of how much nurturing and preparation Mercedes had done over the past nine years, spending millions along the way.
“This kid has nothing to prove any more,” Wolff said, listing Antonelli’s domination in karting and titles in single-seaters.
“He has nothing to prove any more because he’s proven the last eight years that he’s been the best.”
The Austrian said champions like Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen recognised immediately the arrival of a new talent and threat.
“When you see the interaction between Max and Kimi, and Lewis and Kimi, it’s always like ‘game recognises game’,” he added. “From the first time Kimi came on track, Max recognised. And they see it by following. You can see it’s different.”
Wolff said he also had no worries that Antonelli’s head might be turned by fame and fortune or by wanting to enjoy the fruits of his success.
“We have a good structure around him,” he said. “We’ve built a wall around him. His family, he has all the right values. He has the right mentors around. I think we’re shielding him against possible influences.
“You know, he finds it quite astonishing that people ask for autographs or selfies. He’s like ‘Really? Is that happening to me?’ So I don’t think he’s at risk of becoming the kind of flamboyant young superstar. It’s not going to happen.”
