Toto Wolff praised Kimi Antonelli’s impressive win at the Japanese Grand Prix but raised concerns about mediocre race starts that could hinder Mercedes. Antonelli, despite starting from pole, dropped to sixth position due to a poor launch but showcased exceptional driving skills to reclaim the lead. Wolff highlighted the need for improvement in start techniques, indicating that current driving schools may not adequately prepare young drivers for manual clutches. While Antonelli excelled, teammate George Russell struggled with a car set-up issue, finishing fourth instead of competing for a win.

By the Numbers
  • Kimi Antonelli achieved his second consecutive victory in the Japanese Grand Prix.
  • Antonelli completed the race with a 13-second lead over his competitors.
State of Play
  • Antonelli's victory reinforces his status as a rising star in Formula 1.
  • Concerns persist about Mercedes' car setup and start performance, impacting driver competitiveness.
What's Next

The focus for Mercedes will be on refining race starts and addressing any technical issues to enhance driver performance in future races. Continued development of both the drivers and car mechanics will be critical to maintain competitive stature in the championship.

Bottom Line

While Kimi Antonelli's talent shines bright, fixing the foundation of race starts is essential for Mercedes to optimize their championship potential and ensure they don't miss opportunities in high-stakes situations.