‘Complete self-promotion’ claims Guenther Steiner, who criticises Toto Wolff over Antonelli’s win at Mercedes – Toto Wolff had every reason to celebrate after Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the driver and his team, especially given the scrutiny and doubt that had surrounded the rapid promotion of the young Italian during the pre-season.
While many applauded the result, not everyone was impressed with how Wolff handled the moment. Guenther Steiner was among those who took issue, not with Antonelli’s performance, but with Wolff’s reaction.
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Pre-season doubts and mounting pressure
Before the season began, Antonelli’s elevation to a Mercedes race seat raised eyebrows across the paddock. Critics argued that the 19-year-old had been rushed into one of the most competitive cars on the grid.
Comparisons were quickly drawn to Max Verstappen, with many insisting that Antonelli had not yet demonstrated the same once-in-a-generation potential.
There were also concerns about consistency. Mistakes in junior categories were highlighted by observers, who questioned whether he was truly ready to handle the pressure of a top team. Some even suggested that spending a season or two with a midfield team would have been a more logical step in his development.
However, Wolff stood firm in his belief. He publicly and repeatedly backed Antonelli, absorbing criticism along the way as Mercedes committed to its long-term vision.
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Wolff’s radio message raised eyebrows
When Antonelli crossed the line in Shanghai to claim his first victory ever in Formula 1, Wolff’s reaction was immediate and direct. Dialing into the team radio, the Mercedes boss congratulated his driver, but also took the opportunity to address the doubters directly.
His message referenced the criticism Antonelli had faced, namely that he was too young and inexperienced and prone to errors. Wolff’s tone made it clear that he felt vindicated, and he used the moment to emphasise that Mercedes’ decision had been the right one all along.
“He’s too young, we shouldn’t put him in a Mercedes. Put him in a smaller team, he needs the experience. Look at the mistakes he’s making. Here we go, Kimi!” the Mercedes boss declared over the radio for the world to hear.
While the message resonated with some fans, others viewed it as unnecessary. For Steiner, it crossed a line.
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Steiner’s blunt verdict
Speaking on the “Red Flags” podcast, Steiner did not hold back in his assessment of Wolff’s comments. He labelled the reaction as “complete self-promotion”, suggesting that the Mercedes chief was too focused on proving himself right.
According to Steiner, Wolff didn’t need to justify his decision anymore. The result on the track had already done that.
Steiner went further, hinting that Wolff may have a “complex” about the criticism he received during the pre-season. Instead of celebrating Antonelli’s success, Steiner argued that the team principal seemed intent on reminding everyone that he had been right all along.
“That was pure self-promotion. It was like trying to make everyone believe I didn’t do anything wrong,” the RTL F1 pundit said to German TV.
Steiner: “It was Kimi who did it.” not Wolff…
Steiner’s central point was clear: the spotlight should remain firmly on the driver.
“In the end, it was Kimi who did it, not Toto,” he stressed, emphasising that Antonelli’s performance deserved full credit, no added narrative necessary.
From Steiner’s perspective, victories speak for themselves. There was no need for additional commentary or justification, especially not in the heat of such a significant moment.
“Toto wouldn’t need this. But I think he has a bit of a complex about it.” said the Italian former team boss.
“I mean, the kid won. You don’t have to explain it now, Toto! Everyone believes it. You see it, you feel it, you hear it. You don’t have to tell everyone: ‘Yes, because everyone doubted me. And in the end, Kimi did it, not Toto. We always have to respect that.'”
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It was a dream start to the season
Regardless of the debate, Antonelli’s start to the campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. After finishing second behind George Russell in the opening race of the season in Melbourne, he followed it up with a breakthrough win in Shanghai.
In doing so, the Italian also secured pole position, becoming the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history and surpassing the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel.
With two races completed, Antonelli sits second in the Drivers’ Championship, firmly establishing himself as a genuine contender and silencing many of his early critics.
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The focus shifts back to performance
While Wolff’s comments have sparked debate, the bigger picture remains unchanged: Antonelli has delivered on the track, and that ultimately carries far more weight than any off-track remarks.
As the season progresses, the focus will inevitably shift back to results. If Antonelli continues on this trajectory, the early criticism — and the controversy surrounding Wolff’s response — will quickly fade into the background.
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NEXT ARTICLE – Why the Audi’s F1 team boss departure appears strange
After brief rumours that Audi’s F1 team principal washing considered as a candidate to replace Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, the German brand have acted swiftly and decisively to control the narrative.
A brief emergency boarding meeting was called on Friday resulted in the announcement that Wheatley would be leaving the team with immediate effect. There is of course no news on his gardening leave as yet, although Audi will be within their rights to hold their ex-team principal to a period of around 18 months before he can return to F1.
Wheatley left his Red Bull home where he had worked for eighteen years leaving the role of sporting director to take up the challenge at Sauber – soon to be Audi. The fact that over his tenure in Milton Keynes, Red Bull were regularly the best organised teams in terms of pit stop proficiency was something he brought to the Sauber then. Audi team who were previously shambolic.
Wheatley not a ‘true’ team principal at Audi
Yet Wheatley’s role at Audi was not really as the team principal in the traditional sense, the man overall in control of the Audi F1 project remains Mattia Binotto. The ex-Red Bull chief operate4d more as the race team principal, although he was responsible for production issues at the Hinwii factory in Switzerland.
However, this lack of ultimate power didn’t appear to be an issue for Wheatley, he knew the scope of his role and his reporting lines when he joined the organisation last season. And so just over six months later, his departure doesn’t make any sense at all.
‘Personal reasons’ are cited in the Audi press release and whilst everyone across the paddock hopes there is no impending family tragedy, this explanation is often a catch all excuse. And for those who have worked un the UK for decades, then relocated to one of the three European based teams it often means the daily hasn’t…CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE
Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
