Kimi Antonelli Formula 1 world championship Mercedes sponsors, Digi Mart USA News: Mercedes lost two sponsors because of its decision to sign Kimi Antonelli as the replacement for Lewis Hamilton in 2025. The revelation came from Toto Wolff, the team principal of the German team, after the Italian driver won his first Formula 1 World Championship at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix.
The bet on Antonelli, who was only 18 years old when he debuted in the category, raised doubts even among the team’s commercial partners. Two of them decided to end their relationship with Mercedes because they were not convinced that such a young driver could fill the seat of the seven-time world champion.
Wolff explained to Sky Sports F1 that the Italian’s signing triggered a negative reaction among some sponsors, who questioned the new driver’s experience. “We had two sponsors who left us because of that.
They asked us, ‘Who is this kid?'” the executive told the British broadcaster. He did not identify the companies, although sources have reported that Tommy Hilfiger and Puma ended their agreements with Mercedes at the end of 2024.
However, there is no confirmation that they were the two sponsors mentioned by Wolff.
The executive also said he decided to promote Antonelli practically from the moment Hamilton confirmed his departure for Ferrari. Mercedes relied on the results of its junior categories and on information gathered during his development as a driver.
Antonelli’s debut season in 2025 was far from simple. The Italian went through a run of ten races without scoring points and struggled especially during the Belgian Grand Prix, where the pressure ultimately affected him emotionally.
Criticism grew, and questions arose about whether Mercedes should have sent him first to a team with less demands.
Wolff, however, maintained his support. In his view, Antonelli needed at least two seasons to show his true potential.
The answer came in 2026 with nine victories and the world championship clinched in Mexico, where he finished third. The title also made Antonelli the first Italian Formula 1 champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
For Mercedes, the decision that caused two sponsors to leave ultimately paid off on the track.
