Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has reportedly restricted contact between driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli and the Italian press. The Italian driver has become a star in his home country due to his success this season, but the Austrian team boss is trying to protect the young Kimi Antonelli as much as possible from the accompanying pressure. ‘It is up to Mercedes to put a brake on that,’ said Wolff.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the first driver in Formula 1 history to convert his first three pole positions into his first three wins. The Italian has also led the championship since the Japanese GP, which has greatly increased his popularity, especially in his home country Italy. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is therefore protecting the young driver. According to the Spanish Marca, the Austrian has restricted contact between Kimi Antonelli and the Italian press.
“The easiest thing is to make sure he stays grounded within the team,” Wolff told Sky Sports. “His parents have done an excellent job keeping him normal. The bigger problem is the Italian public. Now that the Italian football team has not qualified for the World Cup, everything revolves around Sinner and Antonelli. I believe Sinner won in Madrid, so those are the two superstars, and that is something we need to keep an eye on.” Tennis player and compatriot Jannik Sinner is currently number one in the world rankings.
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‘All of Italy is watching him’
“There are so many requests for his time (Antonelli’s, ed.). It is up to us to put a brake on that,” Wolff continues. “We really have to stay calm here, because with such success for such a young man at this stage, all of Italy will be watching him. Sinner and Antonelli, Antonelli and Sinner. We have won three Grands Prix, Sinner is number one in the world and has won many Grand Slams.”
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