Mercedes has announced a significant shift in their approach to supporting Kimi Antonelli following his improved performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This adjustment aims to help Antonelli maximize his potential, reinforcing the team’s confidence in his development despite recent setbacks. The focus is on providing steady, reliable support to foster his progress in the Formula 1 championship.
Antonelli’s Recent Performances Highlight Challenges and Promise
Antonelli achieved a top-four finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his best result since his podium in Montreal. Prior to this, he faced difficulties scoring points and made several mistakes during race weekends. At the Dutch Grand Prix, although demonstrating competitive speed, Antonelli received a 10-second penalty after a collision with Charles Leclerc, which eliminated his chances of earning points.
His performance at Monza was also underwhelming, finishing ninth after a poor start and losing position to Alex Albon from Williams. Antonelli’s forceful defence against Albon drew criticism from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who described Antonelli’s weekend as “underwhelming” and noted the costly errors during the race.
“Underwhelming this weekend. Underwhelming. You can’t put the car in the gravel bed and expect to be there. All of the race was underwhelming.
It doesn’t change anything on my support and confidence in his future because. I believe he’s going to be very, very, very good. But today was… underwhelming.”
– Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
Focus on Consistent Practice Sessions to Strengthen Race Performance
Mercedes’ design chief James Allison revealed that the team prioritized ensuring Antonelli maintained consistent and focused practice sessions throughout Azerbaijan. This approach was intended to help Antonelli enter qualifying well-prepared, which is critical for race success. During the weekend, Antonelli out-qualified teammate George Russell for only the second time this season, signaling progress.
Allison highlighted the importance of minimizing errors during free practice, as mistakes in these sessions can severely impact qualifying and race results.
“I think the approach from all of us, really, was to make consistent sessions the order of the day, understanding with Kimi and that focus and attention on those free practice sessions is crucial for arriving in qualifying in good shape, which is crucial for making the race work out for you.
Any slip-ups in free practice are much more costly than they appear, so the concentration on that needs to be collectively high from all of us. And Kimi certainly played a champion part in making sure that he really didn’t put a foot wrong.
I think he went up an escape road once during the weekend, but absolutely not a scratch on his car into qualifying, which was pretty difficult. You saw how many red flags there were in qualifying.
Kimi came through that in good nick, did a good lap. He was within one gusty corner away from being P2 on the grid and had a good weekend as a consequence.”
– James Allison, Mercedes Design Chief
Looking Ahead: What Mercedes’ Support Means for Antonelli’s Future
This renewed focus on steady, error-free runs and consistent practice sessions aims to provide Antonelli with the foundation to unlock his full potential. Mercedes remains hopeful about his future contributions and growth within the team. If Antonelli can maintain this level of performance and learning, he could become a significant contender in upcoming races.
The strategy adjustment signals Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing young talent, and it will be closely watched by F1 fans eager to see how Antonelli’s career evolves under this new support system.
