Breaking:Toto Wolff Criticizes Miami GP Tactics, Warns of Negative Influence on…read more
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has suggested that bad examples were set by drivers during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced serious concerns over the aggressive driving standards seen during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, stating that some of the actions on track are setting a damaging example for young and developing drivers in Formula 1.
The Miami International Autodrome hosted a dramatic weekend of racing, with both the sprint and main races marked by controversial Turn 1 incidents. On Saturday, 18-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who had made history by becoming the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1, saw his race unravel just moments after the start. Battling for position with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Antonelli was forced wide and off the track at the first corner, slipping to fourth place after a strong launch from the front.
A similar scenario unfolded during Sunday’s Grand Prix, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen making an aggressive move on Lando Norris into Turn 1. The maneuver pushed Norris off track, forcing him to take evasive action and causing him to drop down the field to sixth place.
Despite the controversial nature of the incidents, race stewards deemed both Piastri and Verstappen blameless. Both drivers were considered to be ahead at the apex of the corner, giving them the right to hold their lines. Under current regulations, this meant they were not obligated to yield more space, leaving their rivals to either back out or risk contact.
Wolff, however, strongly criticized the lack of accountability in such situations and warned that this style of driving is influencing rookies to adopt dangerous habits early in their careers.
“I don’t think we’re setting good precedents,” Wolff told *Sky Sports F1* after the sprint race. “You’re just releasing the brakes and pushing the other guy off. This is bleeding into junior formulas too, and that’s where the damage starts. Drivers need to leave space for each other—racing shouldn’t be about who’s more willing to run someone off the track.”
He added that the trend has “crept in” over the past few seasons and pointed to Antonelli’s experience as a clear example of the message being sent to young drivers. “It’s Kimi’s sixth race, and now he’s learning that this is what you’re supposed to do. I don’t entirely agree with that—but we’ve allowed it to become the norm.”
Despite the setback in the sprint race, Antonelli still left Miami with several milestones. His historic pole position was followed by a frustrating 11th-place finish in the sprint, later promoted to seventh after multiple drivers were penalized. This earned him his first two Formula 1 points. In a further sign of progress, Antonelli out-qualified teammate George Russell for the first time in his fledgling career, lining up third on the grid for Sunday’s race.
However, the main event offered a mixed result. While Antonelli crossed the line in sixth, it was Russell who added another podium finish to his resume—highlighting the steep learning curve the young Italian still faces despite his promising talent.
As the sport continues to debate the fine line between hard racing and dangerous tactics, Wolff’s comments have reignited discussions about whether current rules adequately protect drivers and uphold fair play—especially for those still carving out their path in Formula 1.
