Mercedes' Struggles Highlight Rookie Kimi Antonelli's Challenges
Mercedes Takes Responsibility for Developmental Setbacks Affecting Rookie Kimi Antonelli
The Mercedes Formula 1 team is taking responsibility for its developmental setbacks, which have significantly impacted the performance of 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli. Technical director James Allison has admitted that the team's missteps in designing a competitive car have contributed to the Italian's difficulties in his debut F1 season.
Rookie Struggles Despite Early Success
Antonelli made headlines earlier this year with a stunning third-place finish in Canada, marking his first F1 podium. But since that high point, results have been scarce. In the seven rounds following Montreal, Antonelli has retired four times and failed to secure a single point. He recorded a disappointing 17th-place sprint finish in Belgium last Saturday, followed by 16th in Sunday’s main race.
The rookie, who became the youngest-ever race leader earlier this season after taking sprint pole in Miami, has openly admitted to feeling a lack of confidence in the car. Speaking in Belgium, Antonelli said, "I’m not driving as I’d like," underscoring the frustration of a season marked by inconsistency.
Mercedes Admits Mistakes
Allison addressed the struggles during Mercedes' Belgian Grand Prix debrief on Tuesday, acknowledging the team's role in the difficulties.
"I think he's, like the rest of us, massively fed up with a string of results that are well below what we were collectively achieving earlier in the year," he stated.
The technical director reiterated that the issues lie with the car itself:
"We have taken the wrong steps with the car, making our team less competitive, and that he is paying the price for that, as is George [Russell]. If the car isn't where it needs to be, then it will be a struggle getting through the qualifying stages in your rookie season in F1."
Despite the hardships, Allison expressed confidence in Antonelli's dedication and the team's ability to improve the vehicle’s performance.
"It’s utterly clear to all of us that the car needs to be better. Hopefully, he's listening to us as we say those reassuring words because we absolutely know that he is putting in the effort on his side of that bargain," he added.
A Team Effort to Support Antonelli
Mercedes, currently third in the constructors' standings and 28 points adrift of Ferrari, has struggled to regain the dominance it once enjoyed. While teammate George Russell has secured one win and five podiums this season, he sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 157 points—far ahead of Antonelli's 63.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, whose seat Antonelli inherited when he joined Ferrari, offered his encouragement to the young Italian following Saturday’s qualifying session at Spa.
"He [Hamilton] was telling me to keep my head up, and that it's normal to have bad weekends, and to just keep believing," Antonelli told reporters.
Hamilton, now a veteran of the sport, acknowledged the immense pressure Antonelli faces as the youngest driver on the grid. Speaking to Sky Sports, he remarked:
"He's been doing fantastic. But to be thrown in at the deep end at 18 ... he hadn't even had his driving licence when he first started racing."
Looking Ahead
As Mercedes works to rectify its engineering challenges, all eyes remain on Kimi Antonelli. With undeniable talent and a strong support system, the rookie will look to bounce back in the season’s remaining races.
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