Kimi Antonelli Boosts Mercedes Image in Baku

(GMM) Ralf Schumacher believes Kimi Antonelli (pictured with Toto Wolff) may have rescued his Mercedes future in Baku, where the 19-year-old responded to criticism with a solid P4 despite teammate George Russell’s podium.

Before the race weekend, Toto Wolff had openly branded Antonelli’s Monza performance “disappointing” and “underwhelming” fueling speculation Mercedes could revisit Carlos Sainz as a 2026 option.

But Schumacher told Sky Deutschland the Italian rookie’s Baku rebound eased those doubts. “Formula 1 is very short-lived.

“Kimi Antonelli had an important weekend in Baku, where he did something for his public image. This result was also important internally for Mercedes,” he said.

“Not only Kimi was under pressure, but also Toto. He decided to give Kimi the cockpit after Lewis Hamilton. If the driver he proposed to the shareholders doesn’t perform, then they ask, ‘What do we do now?’ In the end, it’s expensive – and you also have to look at the Constructors’ Championship.

“That’s why Baku was so important for Mercedes.”

The German added: “Kimi had a solid weekend. He can build on that. So I don’t think that door will open again for Carlos Sainz.”

Sainz confirmed to Sky Italia that he had been in talks with Wolff last year before committing to Williams. “We talked a lot with Mercedes and everyone else at the time, and I was certainly one of the options that was considered.

“But how close I was, you can ask Toto,” the Spaniard added. As for the latest speculation, however, Sainz insisted: “I have a contract with Williams and Toto hasn’t called me.”

Third-placed Carlos Sainz Jr. of Spain and Williams celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 21, 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images for Pirelli)

Meanwhile, Wolff is keeping a close eye on Max Verstappen, whose back-to-back poles and wins at Monza and Baku have slashed McLaren’s title advantage.

“Max has had a good run,” said the Austrian. “The car is good.

“With Max Verstappen, you always have to be wary of what he can achieve, especially now that it’s possible again,” Wolff warned.

“Everything has to work out well for him, but you already saw in Baku that a DNF for the championship leader clears the way for Max to score 25 points. Things can change quickly.”