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Steiner Sees Antonelli as Crown Prince Receiving Favored Treatment at Mercedes
Günther Steiner has chimed in with a striking observation about Kimi Antonelli, suggesting the young driver already enjoys special attention from Toto Wolff at Mercedes.
By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-07-12T15:56:29.000Z - 1 min read
Günther Steiner, known for his outspoken opinions, recently shared his thoughts on young Kimi Antonelli. The former team principal clearly sees the Italian as the new crown prince of Mercedes—a role that already seems to put him ahead of his rivals.
This swift rise, even before Antonelli has driven a single full Grand Prix, gives Steiner the impression of a certain preferential treatment. In his view, there is an uneven playing field where Antonelli already holds a distinct advantage.
According to Steiner, the cause of this alleged favoritism is no mystery either. He points directly to team principal Toto Wolff, claiming that Wolff's loyalty already clearly lies with Antonelli.
It is evident that Steiner is keeping a critical eye on the development around the young Mercedes protégé. With the statement "Toto's heart lies with Kimi," he underlines his observation regarding the special bond between the team boss and his rising talent.