Mercedes F1 revival: Wolff hails Russell and rookie Antonelli

MERCEDES Formula One boss Toto Wolff is optimistic about the future as their racing outfit eyes the positive start they’ve enjoyed to the 2025 season, and currently find themselves in the running for both a drivers and constructors title.

- JEHRAN NAAIDOO

It’s Mercedes’ best start to an F1 season since 2021.

The Austrian billionaire’s gamble paid some dividends after rookie driver Kimi Antonelli helped secure a double dose of championship points in both Australia and China.

Antonelli also picked up two points from the sprint, while Russell bagged five points towards the title.

Wolff also praised Antonelli’s skill and level head for driving a damaged car to an eighth-placed finish at the Shanghai circuit on Sunday.

Lead driver George Russell took a third finish in China, as well as a podium in Australia, and is showing promise to lead Mercedes back to their constructor title days.

Wolff was pleased with Mercedes pace in China, as Russell found himself two seconds behind the McLaren of Lando Norris.

McLaren have been the team to catch and compare to this season for the rest of the season.