SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium – Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young motorsport prospect, has expressed his feelings about the latest races, describing them as a “step back” after a promising start to his debut season in Formula 1 with Mercedes.
The 18-year-old driver had a complicated weekend in Spa. He spun in Q1 of Friday’s sprint qualifying and failed to advance from Q2 in Saturday’s qualifying session for the Grand Prix.
Since his first podium at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, Antonelli has experienced some setbacks, including a collision with Max Verstappen on the first lap in Austria and a retirement in Great Britain due to collision damage.
Since the European season, I’ve had difficulties finding confidence with the car and I feel like I’ve taken a step back
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Antonelli admitted to feeling in a kind of negative spiral. “It’s a difficult moment for me, because I feel I don’t have confidence when I push. Yesterday I tried to force a bit and then I had the spin, which further affected my confidence,” he commented after Saturday’s qualifying, where he finished in 18th position.
The young pilot added: “I think there’s a lot of work to be done on my part and I will try to find the light at the end of the tunnel as soon as possible.”Andrea Kimi Antonelli es séptimo en el campeonato de pilotos en su año de novato. Mercedes has been cautious in not putting too much pressure on Antonelli, who replaced Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion.
Antonelli pointed out that he has been making things complicated for himself. “The team has been trying to help me as much as possible. But for my part, I’m probably trying to change my driving style too much. I feel like I’m not driving naturally. It’s very forced and it’s difficult.”
Antonelli’s driving style has been aggressive and on the limit throughout his debut season, but the rider suggests that this has worked against him.
When asked what he needed to feel better with the car, he replied: “Definitely a bit more stability, because with my driving style I am a bit more aggressive with the inputs, also in comparison to George. I tend to try to carry a lot of speed into the corner. And with the limitations I have, I’m only increasing the problem.”
“So, for my part, I’m trying to change my way of driving a little bit to also have balance. Because, of course, it’s impossible to have perfect balance. I’m trying to work on that, but it’s not easy.”
The race on Sunday seems to be subject to rain.
Mercedes is likely to make changes to Antonelli’s car overnight, which would mean he would start from the pit lane.
“Let’s hope that gives us an advantage and that confidence returns,” Antonelli said about that decision.
