Kimi Antonelli has been just as impressive off track as he has been on it for Mercedes in his championship-winning season.

It must be said that Kimi Antonelli is not the Formula 1 champion just yet, but he needs just two points at the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend to claim the crown.

Antonelli has shown incredible maturity in what is just his second year in the sport, and he has had brilliant support from within the Mercedes team, including unwavering support from Toto Wolff.

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Damon Hill on Kimi Antonelli’s reputation within Mercedes

As Antonelli closes in on becoming champion, questions have been asked about how he has found it so easy to beat teammate George Russell, who was considered favourite heading into the season.

In 2027, Mercedes may build around Antonelli given his proven success under these regulations.

As pointed out by Damon Hill, it helps that Antonelli is a loved figure within the Mercedes garage, which the former driver claims cannot be taken for granted.

Via Gazzetta, Hill said: “At 20, he showed extraordinary maturity. Mercedes was the team to beat, but he made the most of the car’s potential.

“I also appreciate the way he interacts with the team. Everyone loves him, and that’s not something you can take for granted.”

Kimi Antonelli has Mercedes chiefs on his side

Because Antonelli replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, he has had the helping hand of race engineer Peter Bonnington by his side.

Antonelli has a great relationship with Bonnington, and it is also clear that Wolff is a huge admirer of Antonelli having tracked his progress as a junior driver.

When Mercedes were showing interest in Max Verstappen, it must be remembered that it was Russell’s seat at risk, not Antonelli’s. That is a crystal clear indication about just how highly valued Antonelli is.

The young Italian is proving why Mercedes were right to trust him, and Russell is fighting an uphill battle to prove he is not now a ‘second driver’ in the team.

That uphill fight will only become steeper when Antonelli is crowned champion this weekend.