Antonelli has redefined what it means to be a champion, says Wolff

Kimi Antonelli has rewritten Formula 1 history. The young Italian became the youngest world champion in his second season, and his story has challenged many established ideas about a career in the sport. According to his boss Toto Wolff, Kimi’s impact on F1 will be enormous.

Every new champion leaves an indelible mark on Formula 1. As in any sport, Formula 1 history is written by teams and drivers whose achievements then inspire others to try to emulate them. Following Lando Norris’s triumph last year and Kimi Antonelli’s success this year, many have been left with the impression that the era of the “nice guys” has begun.

Neither Lando nor Kimi fits the traditional image of a champion, and according to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, that image is dying out. “This notion of win at all costs, selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit. That model of racing driver has died,” the Austrian told Sky.

“We have a new champion that represents values – humility, integrity, loyalty, respect. Being himself. He should be a role model for many other young drivers in junior formulas.” Wolff said.

But it goes beyond that. According to Toto, established and far more experienced drivers should also learn from Antonelli. “He should be a role model for the few entitled ones in Formula 1 – the endless moaners on the radio, the ones that complain, the ones that crash,” Wolff continued.

“Look at this kid of 20 years [old] and then think what you can do in order to improve. That’s the message to these kids. That is how the FIA, that Mohammed [Ben Sulayem], that Stefano [Domenicali], that’s how I would want to see racing drivers in the future,” the Mercedes boss said.

In his view, a new era of Formula 1 is beginning. Wolff named no names when describing “old-school” drivers and seemingly wanted listeners to decide for themselves which drivers fitted that category. The Austrian also expressed the view that Antonelli is the prototype for a kind of driver who will become much more common in the future.

“That is modern Formula 1. Kimi represents the modern Formula 1 driver because of those values, not only because of his talent. The talent is there with everyone. But you have got to be a good person too. He has demonstrated that you can beat everyone out there by being a good person,” Wolff said.