Wolff says Antonelli still no Senna, but ‘Senninha’ can grow

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff cautioned against comparing 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli with Brazilian Formula One great Ayrton Senna, saying such expectations could place too much pressure on the young driver. After spending time with Senna’s family and visiting the late champion’s grave in São Paulo, Antonelli was jokingly welcomed as a possible “Senninha”, or “Little Senna”.

Wolff said the family saw a resemblance but that Antonelli should be allowed to develop before being called a Senna. Antonelli, who had clinched the drivers’ title in Mexico the previous week, led the São Paulo Grand Prix before spinning at Turn One and finishing fifth as Lando Norris won; Mercedes secured the constructors’ championship. “Senninha” is also the name of a popular Brazilian comic character inspired by Senna.