Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed strong criticism regarding driver conduct during the Miami Grand Prix, labeling certain actions as a “bad example for rookies.” His remarks were particularly directed at incidents that compromised safety and sportsmanship on the track.
A notable incident involved Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was released unsafely into the path of Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the sprint race. This led to a 10-second penalty for Verstappen and disrupted Antonelli’s race, dropping him to 10th place. Red Bull attributed the mishap to human error, but Wolff emphasized the seriousness of such lapses, stating they set a poor precedent for emerging talents like Antonelli .
Despite the challenges, Antonelli showcased remarkable composure and skill. He secured pole position in the sprint race, becoming the youngest F1 driver to achieve this feat. Although he finished 10th in the sprint and sixth in the main race, his performance drew praise from Wolff, who sees Antonelli’s maturity and talent as promising signs for the future .
Wolff’s concerns extend beyond individual incidents, highlighting a broader issue of inconsistent stewarding. He has previously criticized the FIA for biased decision-making, especially when similar on-track behaviors receive disparate penalties . Such inconsistencies, according to Wolff, can undermine the integrity of the sport and hinder the development of young drivers.
In light of these events, Wolff advocates for stricter enforcement of rules and clearer guidelines to ensure fair competition and the safety of all drivers. He believes that maintaining high standards is crucial, not only for the current competitors but also for setting the right example for the next generation of Formula 1 drivers.