Kimi Antonelli says Dutch Grand Prix was a much-needed wake-up call
Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli admitted the Dutch Grand Prix weekend served as an important wake-up call after a series of mistakes left him chasing Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The 19-year-old finished fourth in the Saturday sprint after qualifying fifth, while Russell secured victory from pole position to close the gap in the championship standings as the second half of the season got underway.
Antonelli then qualified third for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix, with Russell starting alongside McLaren’s pole-sitter and reigning world champion Lando Norris on the front row.
The Italian had enjoyed a stunning start to the campaign, winning five consecutive races, but his recent form has been less dominant, with just one victory in his last five outings.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure. But it was a very good wake-up call this weekend, that you can never lower your guard,” said Antonelli, who entered the race 53 points ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and 56 clear of Russell.
Antonelli said the weekend had reminded him of the importance of remaining focused and delivering when it matters most.
The Mercedes driver’s difficult weekend began on Friday when he ran off the track and crossed the gravel during sprint qualifying, damaging the floor of his car.
Mercedes managed to repair the damage, although the team believed the resulting loss of downforce cost Antonelli significant time through the circuit’s low-speed corners.
The Italian later admitted that another mistake during his final qualifying lap on Saturday may have cost him a chance at pole position.
“I lost a couple of tenths. It was my mistake. It’s a shame because we had a real shot for pole,” Antonelli said.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff suggested Russell could also have made a similar claim after his own qualifying lap.
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