Antonelli reflects on growing pains after challenging weekend at Spa

Andrea Kimi Antonelli Reflects on Struggles During Rookie Formula One Season

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old rookie sensation driving for Mercedes in Formula One, conceded that recent races have felt like a "backward step" in his career trajectory. After a strong start to his debut season that featured a remarkable podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, Antonelli has faced a series of setbacks that have tested his confidence and resolve.

This weekend's Belgian Grand Prix has proven particularly troublesome for the young driver. A spin in sprint qualifying on Friday saw him exit in Q1, and a less-than-ideal Saturday ended with him failing to progress beyond Q2, leaving him 18th on the grid for Sunday's race.

"I mean, since the European season, I've been struggling to find confidence with the car, and I feel like I've done a backward step," Antonelli admitted during his post-qualifying debrief on Saturday. "It's a difficult moment for me because I feel like I have no confidence when pushing. Yesterday I tried to push a bit too much, and then I spun, and that kind of hurts the confidence even more."

Struggles Following Canada Podium

Since his celebrated podium moment in Montreal, Antonelli's rookie journey has hit turbulence. Crashes and retirements have followed, including a dramatic collision with Max Verstappen in Austria and another early exit in Britain due to damage sustained in a racing incident. These stumbles have seemingly rattled the composure of a driver well-known for his aggressive, on-the-limit driving style.

"It's a difficult period, I think," Antonelli explained. "We know the limitation we have since quite a lot, but with the way I'm driving, I'm just increasing the problem. And that gives me even less confidence with the car."

Adjusting His Driving Style

While Mercedes has sought to temper expectations for Antonelli in what is already a high-pressure role—filling the seat previously occupied by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—the young Italian has acknowledged that some of the difficulties have been self-inflicted.

"Well, you know, the team has been trying to help me as much as possible," Antonelli said. "But on my side, I'm probably trying to change the way I'm driving too much. It feels like I'm not driving naturally. It's very forced the way I'm driving, and it's just difficult."

Antonelli's aggressive approach, which relies heavily on attacking corner entries at high speeds, seems to have exacerbated the balance issues with the Mercedes car. This trait has put him at odds with the vehicle's limitations, something he candidly admitted.

"Definitely a bit more stability," he said when asked what he needs to better adapt to the car. "Because with the way I drive, I'm a bit more aggressive with the inputs, also compared to George [Russell]. I'm a bit more aggressive overall. I tend to try and carry a lot of speed into the corner. And with the limitation I have, I'm just increasing the problem."

Antonelli acknowledged that his attempt to adjust his natural style has been a significant challenge.

"On my side, I'm trying to change a little bit the way I'm driving to also have the balance. Because, of course, it's impossible to have the perfect balance. I'm just trying to work on that side, but it's not easy."

Mercedes Plans Changes Ahead of Sunday’s Race

With rain expected to play a role in Sunday's race, Mercedes is reportedly planning overnight changes to Antonelli's car that would require him to start from the pit lane. The team hopes this could provide an opportunity for a fresh start.

"Hopefully that will give us an advantage, and hopefully the confidence will be back," Antonelli said, sounding cautiously optimistic.

As the teenage prodigy navigates the growing pains of life in Formula One, his raw talent remains evident. While the learning curve may feel steep, Antonelli’s determination to emerge stronger is clear—and that resilience will undoubtedly serve him well as he looks to get his promising career back on track.

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