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Fisichella: Wolff Saw Antonelli's Talent Right From the Start

According to former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was one of the first to believe in Kimi Antonelli's breakthrough potential.

By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-12T18:11:37.000Z - 1 min read

Photo: Liauzh / Wikimedia Commons ยท CC BY 4.0

The name of Kimi Antonelli is being heard ever more frequently across the Formula 1 paddock. The young Italian driver is steadily impressing and is widely regarded as a rising talent with a promising future in the sport.

As Antonelli's star rises, former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella now reflects on the early days of his career. He points specifically to one influential figure who recognized Antonelli's potential early on.

Fisichella states that it was none other than Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff who first expressed unwavering faith in Kimi. According to him, Wolff foresaw the young driver's breakthrough before it was widely acknowledged.

This early show of confidence from a key figure in the F1 world, such as Wolff, underscores the deep impression Antonelli made on motorsport's elite from a young age.

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