News Summary
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrived at Mercedes’ headquarters with his hair coloured green, white and red to celebrate his Formula 1 world title.
- Toto Wolff was visibly stunned by the Italian’s new look and jokingly questioned whether he had paid for it.
- Antonelli had promised to change his hairstyle if he became world champion, considering either Italy’s national colours or those of his hometown, Bologna.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli left Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff almost speechless after arriving at the team’s Brackley headquarters with his hair coloured green, white and red, fulfilling a promise he made after winning the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
The 20-year-old Italian surprised colleagues with a hairstyle inspired by his country’s national flag during celebrations at the Mercedes factory. The team shared a video of the moment on social media on Wednesday, November 11, showing the reactions of Wolff, George Russell and several employees.
Wolff initially stared at the newly crowned champion in disbelief before questioning whether the colours really represented the Italian flag. He then jokingly asked, “Did you actually pay for that?”
The unexpected transformation prompted laughter around the factory, with Russell also appearing amused by his teammate’s decision.
Antonelli keeps promise made after winning F1 title in Mexico
Antonelli had already warned Mercedes that a dramatic change of hairstyle could follow his championship victory.
After securing the title at the Mexican Grand Prix, the Italian revealed that he had made a bet earlier in the season: if he became world champion, he would dye his hair.
He considered two possible combinations — green, white and red to represent Italy, or red and blue in tribute to Bologna, his hometown.
The Mercedes driver also suggested that he might reveal the new look when visiting Brackley to celebrate with the employees who had contributed to his championship campaign.
That is precisely what happened.
Antonelli arrived at the factory with the Italian tricolour running through his hair, attracting attention from colleagues before encountering Wolff.
Mercedes shared the footage with the caption, “Kimi did it. He actually did it,” accompanied by an Italian flag emoji.
The moment provided a lighter celebration of a season in which Antonelli became Formula 1’s youngest world champion.
Wolff and Russell react to Antonelli’s unusual celebration
Wolff’s reaction became the highlight of the Mercedes video.
The Austrian team principal appeared momentarily lost for words as he examined Antonelli’s hairstyle, before making his joke about the cost of the transformation.
Russell was also asked for his opinion, responding with an amused but hesitant assessment of his teammate’s appearance.
Antonelli appeared delighted with the reaction, laughing as he greeted Mercedes personnel during the factory celebrations.
The visit marked another opportunity for the team to celebrate its remarkable 2026 campaign.
Antonelli secured the drivers’ championship in Mexico, while Mercedes completed the title double by winning the constructors’ championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The Italian’s achievement has also strengthened his relationship with Wolff, who has overseen his development through the Mercedes junior programme.
Following the title, Wolff defended his decision to promote Antonelli to Formula 1 despite opposition from sponsors, revealing that two commercial partners had questioned the appointment of such an inexperienced driver.
The Mercedes boss has also praised Antonelli’s humility and attitude, describing the young champion as an example for other Formula 1 competitors.
Mercedes celebrates double championship before Las Vegas
Antonelli’s colourful appearance comes during the break between the São Paulo and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
Mercedes has already secured both world championships, although its recent performance has raised questions about whether the team still possesses the strongest car.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO’s analysis of the first 20 races revealed, Red Bull has outscored Mercedes across the latest five Grands Prix, with Max Verstappen emerging as the highest-scoring driver during that period.
Antonelli nevertheless remains one of the championship’s most consistent performers, having collected 88 points across the same five races.
The Italian’s celebrations have also attracted attention beyond his results. During the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, he paid tribute to Ayrton Senna, prompting Wolff to address comparisons between the young champion and the Brazilian legend.
For now, Antonelli has chosen a different way to celebrate his achievement: carrying the colours of Italy into the Mercedes factory.
Whether the tricolour hairstyle survives until the Las Vegas Grand Prix remains to be seen.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, which resumes in Las Vegas on November 19–21.
