Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that two sponsors left the Formula 1 team because of its decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025. The Austrian said the commercial partners questioned the appointment of an 18-year-old with no Grand Prix experience, but insisted that Mercedes had sufficient evidence to believe the Italian could become a world champion.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 following Antonelli’s historic championship triumph at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Wolff reflected on the opposition Mercedes encountered when it decided to promote the youngster directly from Formula 2.
The decision ultimately delivered the 2026 Drivers’ World Championship, with Antonelli becoming the youngest champion in Formula 1 history at 20 years old.
Wolff reveals Mercedes lost two sponsors over Antonelli decision
Wolff acknowledged that not everyone involved with Mercedes shared his confidence in Antonelli when Hamilton announced his departure for Ferrari.
Some commercial partners questioned whether the young Italian was ready to replace one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
The Mercedes boss revealed that the disagreement had financial consequences.
“We had two sponsors leaving us because of that,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1.
He recalled that the partners questioned the identity and credentials of Hamilton’s replacement.
“Who is this kid?” was the reaction Wolff attributed to those who doubted Antonelli.
However, the Austrian stressed that other partners remained committed to Mercedes throughout the project and were now benefiting from the team’s success.
Wolff did not identify the two sponsors that left or disclose the financial value of their agreements.
Tommy Hilfiger and Puma ended their partnerships with Mercedes after the 2024 season, while Adidas became the team’s clothing partner in 2025.
Nevertheless, there is no confirmation that Tommy Hilfiger and Puma were the two sponsors Wolff was referring to, and their departures should not be directly attributed to Antonelli’s promotion without further evidence.
Wolff decided Antonelli would replace Hamilton immediately
Wolff also revealed how quickly he reached his decision after learning that Hamilton would leave Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion announced his move to Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, creating one of the most sought-after vacancies on the Formula 1 grid.
Although several established drivers were linked with the seat, including Max Verstappen, Wolff said his preferred replacement had already been identified.
The Austrian explained that he immediately informed senior Mercedes personnel that Antonelli would take the position.
Bradley Lord, now the team’s deputy principal, and technical director James Allison were among those told about the decision.
According to Wolff, their initial reaction reflected the scale of the gamble Mercedes appeared to be taking.
However, the team principal insisted that the available performance data supported his choice.
Antonelli had already demonstrated exceptional ability in Formula 4 and Formula Regional, convincing Mercedes that his potential extended beyond his results in Formula 2.
Wolff maintained that the decision was based on evidence accumulated throughout Antonelli’s junior career, rather than an emotional response to Hamilton’s departure.
Mercedes faced criticism during Antonelli’s difficult rookie season
The decision became increasingly controversial during Antonelli’s first Formula 1 campaign in 2025.
The Italian arrived in the championship at just 18 years old, having skipped Formula 3 and completed only one season in Formula 2.
Although he demonstrated impressive speed, his rookie campaign included several difficult periods.
Wolff recalled that Antonelli endured nine consecutive races without scoring points during the European portion of the season.
The pressure became particularly intense at the Belgian Grand Prix, where the young driver struggled emotionally after a difficult weekend.
Critics questioned whether Mercedes had promoted him too early and whether he should have spent one or two seasons developing with a smaller team.
Wolff rejected those suggestions, explaining that the team had always regarded Antonelli as a long-term project.
He said Mercedes expected the Italian’s second season to provide a clearer indication of his true potential.
Despite the disappointing results, the team’s confidence never wavered.
Wolff insists Antonelli was a calculated risk, not a gamble
Wolff described the promotion as a calculated risk based on Mercedes’ knowledge of Antonelli’s ability.
He acknowledged that outside observers had questioned the decision, but insisted that the team’s senior leadership had supported it throughout.
Mercedes chief executive Ola Källenius was among those who backed the project.
The Austrian also explained that criticism came from rival teams, other drivers who believed they deserved the opportunity and sections of the media.
The most difficult moments arrived when Antonelli struggled during his rookie season, apparently reinforcing the concerns of those who opposed his promotion.
However, Wolff maintained that the development programme was progressing as expected.
He argued that Mercedes had planned for a project lasting at least two seasons and that the second year would provide the evidence needed to assess its success.
Antonelli’s 2026 championship has now delivered that confirmation.
Antonelli’s world title rewards Mercedes’ long-term investment
Antonelli secured the Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday (November 1), finishing third behind Max Verstappen and Hamilton.
At 20 years, 2 months and 7 days, he became Formula 1’s youngest world champion, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record from 2010.
The title also ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another Formula 1 world champion.
The achievement represented the culmination of Mercedes’ investment in Antonelli, who joined the manufacturer’s junior programme in 2019.
Wolff recalled watching the Italian develop from karting into a championship-winning Formula 1 driver, praising the commitment shown by everyone involved.
The title arrives at a significant moment for Mercedes, which can also secure the Constructors’ Championship at the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix.
The German manufacturer needs to extend its advantage over Ferrari by three points in Brazil, under the currently scheduled calendar and points allocation.
For Wolff, the championship has provided the strongest possible response to those who questioned the decision to replace Hamilton with an inexperienced teenager.
Mercedes lost two commercial partners over that decision, but the team principal believes its confidence in Antonelli has now been fully justified.
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