WOLFF SAYS TWO SPONSORS LEFT MERCEDES OVER ANTONELLI PROMOTION

Toto Wolff has said two sponsors ended their association with Mercedes after he promoted Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton in the team's race seat. Hamilton departed for Ferrari, and Mercedes elevated Antonelli, then 18, straight into the factory team rather than placing him at a smaller outfit first. Wolff did not name the sponsors involved. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "We had two sponsors who left us because of it. They asked me: 'Kimi Antonelli, who is this kid supposed to be?' And there were others who have stayed with us to this day, and they are now reaping the rewards."

Antonelli had won two F2 races during the 2024 season before stepping up to Formula One. Wolff said he had decided on the promotion once Hamilton's move to Ferrari was confirmed, citing Antonelli's junior career results and the team's internal data. Antonelli's first season in 2025 included a lengthy spell without points, which brought criticism of the decision at the time. Wolff said the team maintained its development plan for him regardless, arguing it needed a second year to prove its worth.

Antonelli secured the world championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, delivering Mercedes its first title since 2020. Wolff said the sponsors who remained with the team throughout that period were now sharing in the outcome. He did not disclose further details of the commercial arrangements affected by the 2023 decision. The promotion had also come at a time when Max Verstappen had been linked with the Mercedes seat ultimately given to Antonelli.