Wolff: "Extensive damage" for Antonelli shows off rookie's "maturity"

The rookie made an impressive start to his F1 career in tough conditions in Australia to finish fourth and added to that haul with eighth at the Shanghai International Circuit, a result that was upgraded to sixth after the disqualifications given to Ferrari duo Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

While no mistakes were made, Antonelli was 42 seconds adrift of team-mate George Russell, who finished third, and struggled to fight his way past Haas driver Esteban Ocon, who would ultimately get off the mark for his new team with fifth.

However, Wolff revealed that there was more to Antonelli's pace than initially was clear, with damage sustained to his W16. The Austrian speculated that this was caused by debris left on track after Charles Leclerc made contact with Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap.

Wolff on damage: "We don't know why"

"Kimi, he got extensive floor damage," Wolff told media including GPBlog. "We don't know actually why, whether we run over Charles endplate, but we had massive holes in the floor and titanium streaks that were gone.

"So considering that he had a car that was severely impaired, finishing eighth, holding on to it, not complaining, just getting on with the job, shows the potential and the maturity that a young man has."

Antonelli's efforts were rewarded with the Driver of the Day award, which is voted for by fans around the world during the grand prix. The Italian was himself surprised to be given the accolade, though Wolff believes this is something that F1 should keep an eye on.

"Obviously driver of the day, you also see where the fan demographic is. Something to be important, as Formula 1, that we remind ourselves."