"Happy Birthday Toto Wolff, You old man": Kimi Antonelli's hilarious birthday wish to the Mercedes boss

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff celebrated his birthday on January 12, 2025. The team released a special tribute video on social media featuring George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with the latter taking a hilarious dig at the boss' age.

Wolff, one of the most influential team principals in F1, turned 53. He joined the Silver Arrows in 2013 and transformed the team into one of the most dominant racing outfits. Under his leadership, the Brackley-based outfit clinched eight constructors' titles.

A few years into his tenure, Wolff bought stakes in the team to become a part owner. The CEO and team principal continue to lead the team amid a challenging phase. He lost a veteran driver in Lewis Hamilton as the British driver switched to Ferrari.

Meanwhile, as Wolff turned 53 on January 12, 2025, Mercedes released a special video message for him featuring Russell and Antonelli. The two drivers wished him with hilarious quotes.

Antonelli called Wolff an old man and further added:

"Happy Birthday, Toto, you old man. Don't worry, you're still in great shape. Enjoy this day as much as possible with family and enjoy as much food as possible because today, you don't have to be a racing driver."

Russell also poked fun at Wolff's age by purposely quoting him as a 63-year-old.

Toto Wolff has played an instrumental role in the Silver Arrows' rise from the ground. His expertise in management and passion for motorsports continue to fuel him even as he turns 53.

The upcoming F1 season will come with its own set of challenges. Wolff lost a close confidant in Lewis Hamilton. Though he trusts 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to fill his shoes, it will be interesting to see how the rookie driver fares.

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Mercedes boss sets realistic expectations for Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff with Kimi Antonelli (Image Source: Getty)

Ahead of his debut year, the pressure is piling up on 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli as he is tasked to fill the big shoes of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has set some realistic expectations for the rookie. Talking to Auto Motor und Sport, he said:

“If you expect him to be on pole position in Melbourne, win the race, and immediately compete for the championship, then the risk is high because that won’t happen. If we take into account that he is only 18 years old, very talented, but needs to grow and make mistakes first, the risk is less." (Via PlanetF1).

Wolff seems to have given Antonelli a free will to take risks, even if it means potential mistakes. The Italian will make his F1 debut on March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix.