Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged Formula One drivers to emulate the attitude and conduct of Kimi Antonelli, describing the Italian as an example of how talent and good character can coexist at the highest level of motorsport.

Wolff made the remarks following Antonelli’s historic victory in the drivers’ championship at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix, where the Mercedes driver finished third to secure his first world title with four races remaining.

At 20, Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula One history, surpassing the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel.

Wolff said the young driver represented a shift in the values expected of modern racing drivers, highlighting his humility, integrity, loyalty and respect for others.

He criticised what he described as an outdated approach to racing built around winning at all costs, selfishness and ruthlessness for personal advantage.

The Mercedes boss also challenged drivers he characterised as entitled, particularly those who frequently complain over team radio or become involved in avoidable collisions.

He said Antonelli's conduct should encourage younger competitors in junior racing categories and established Formula One drivers to reflect on their behaviour.

Wolff added that the Italian's achievements demonstrated that drivers could compete successfully without abandoning good character.

“Talent is there with everyone. But you have got to be a good person too,” he said, adding that Antonelli had shown that it was possible to defeat rivals while maintaining those values.

Antonelli's championship success came in his second Formula One season after Mercedes promoted him to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 campaign.

The Italian acknowledged that his difficult debut season had helped him mature as a driver, particularly after a poor run of results attracted criticism about his readiness for the sport's top level.

He said the experience had prepared him to handle pressure and difficult situations more effectively during the 2026 campaign.

Antonelli described his maiden championship as the beginning of a new phase in his career, expressing his determination to continue improving and compete for more titles.

Formula One will next travel to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, scheduled for November 8, where Antonelli will compete in his first race since securing the championship.