Mercedes F1 protégé Andrea Kimi Antonelli spoke about his experiences in a telephone conversation he had with Toto Wolff earlier this year.

Antonelli, who has been part of Mercedes’ junior program since 2019, is considered the favorite for a job at the Brackley-based team next year, where he will replace Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari.

The Italian entered Formula 2 this year at the age of just 17 and is currently in seventh place in the drivers’ championship with two wins.

In conversation with Motorsport.comAntonelli does not take his success for granted.

“No, because I never expected to go straight into F2,” he said.

“When they told me about this plan, I thought it was a big jump because normally you go to F3 first, but at the same time I was immediately attracted by the challenge.

“I didn’t plan to come to F2 and win everything. I was always aware that the jump from Formula Regional would be a big challenge and that I still had a lot to learn, which I’m still doing.”

Wolff phone call

Antonelli stressed the strong relationship he has with Mercedes boss Wolff as he continues to gain experience at a high level.

After securing tenth place on the grid at Silverstone earlier this year, Antonelli called Wolff, feeling depressed about his performance, but the Austrian regained his confidence and won the sprint race the next day.

“I’m also very happy with my relationship (with Wolff),” he said. “In difficult moments I ask him for advice and he always looks for a way to give me confidence.”

“I’ll give you an example. After the disappointing qualifying at Silverstone, I called him because it was quite a tough time.

“We talked a lot and that conversation gave me back my confidence. The next day I won and it was really nice to see him on the podium.

“I think when you go through difficult times, you come out of it stronger at the end, also in terms of your attitude. Silverstone and Budapest confirmed that.”