Wolff on Antonelli: I said we were going to have ups and downs

Antonelli appeared to be out of his depth when he started his rookie season with Mercedes in the top flight, and while he showed flashes of speed and brilliance, his performances were inconsistent and marred with errors.

That has led many to believe that the young Italian would have been better off racing one more season in Formula 2 before getting the Mercedes promotion.

But Wolff believes the decision to promote the Mercedes protégé was the right one, as he managed to learn the hard way after being thrown in the deep end.

In a Mercedes video, Wolff explained: "Last year when we announced that he would drive the car, I said that we're going to have ups and downs, moments of brilliance, and then other moments where you want to tear your hair out.

"Because of the—you call them learnings, but because of the mistakes, that's what it is. And I think we have seen exactly that.

"We've seen very strong races at the beginning of the season, particularly towards the end. But I think we never doubted in the speed, the talent, and his ability.

"It's just you're being thrown to the cannibals in Formula 1," the Austrian pointed out. "The intense pressure of the media, the responsibility you have to Mercedes—to the many people that are giving their all to provide you an engine and a car."

At some points, Antonelli seemed distracted, losing focus, with his terrible home weekend at Imola an example, as he lost his focus due to off-track activities.

Wolff reflected: "I think probably that was the learning, throughout the middle of the season, particularly in Europe, with everybody wanting something from you. And he's a good person. So he didn't want to say no either.

"And overall, I would say a good season, full of learning, a strong base to move from here and start in 2026 with a new car, new to everyone. And you know what to expect," he concluded.

Antonelli showed composure under pressure, especially in qualifying, where—on several occasions—he would be under risk of elimination in Q1 and have one lap to make it through. He ended up delivering that crucial lap to make it through.

Antonelli finished on the podium three times: Canada, Sao Paulo, and Las Vegas. His defense against Max Verstappen in Sao Paulo was a particularly impressive feat.

However, how he crumbled under Lando Norris' pressure in Bahrain was an example of his lack of experience and inconsistency.