Antonelli Optimistic After Strong Friday Performance in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' rising star, had a career-best Friday at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing P2 and P3 in the first two practice sessions. This marks the first time in his career he's been in the top three in both Friday sessions, outpacing teammate George Russell by three-tenths in FP2. Despite a minor engine issue in FP2, Antonelli is confident about Mercedes' pace for the rest of the weekend, eyeing a potential second podium finish of the season.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's strong performance in Mexico City is a significant boost for his young career, especially after a challenging mid-season. As a key figure in Mercedes' future plans, consistent top performances are crucial for his development and for solidifying his position within the team. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure, particularly against an experienced teammate like Russell, highlights his potential as a future F1 frontrunner.

The details:

• Career-First Achievement: Antonelli achieved a personal best by securing top-three finishes in both FP1 (P2) and FP2 (P3) during a Grand Prix Friday for the first time in his career.
• Pace Advantage: In FP2, Antonelli demonstrated superior pace, outperforming his teammate George Russell by three-tenths of a second, indicating strong form in varying conditions.
• Setup Adjustments: While FP1 was 'great,' Antonelli noted that FP2 was 'a little worse' due to setup changes. He acknowledged that some adjustments improved the car, while others detracted, providing valuable data for the team.
• Engine Glitch: A minor engine issue at the start of FP2 disrupted his initial run plan, forcing him to rush. However, he still managed to complete all necessary laps, maintaining competitive lap times.
• Confidence Boost: Following a tough stretch of ten races with seven outside the points after his maiden podium in Canada, recent positive performances in Azerbaijan and Singapore, coupled with this strong Friday, have renewed Antonelli's confidence.

What's next:

Antonelli is optimistic about converting his strong Friday pace into a successful Saturday qualifying session and ultimately securing his second podium of the 2025 season. He emphasized the importance of continuous evolution with both his driving and the car as the track conditions change. His performance will be closely watched by Mercedes and the wider F1 paddock, as it could be a significant indicator of his trajectory for the remainder of the season and his long-term prospects in the sport.

Between the lines:

While Antonelli's performance is a bright spot for Mercedes, the team will be keen to understand the nuances of the setup changes that led to mixed results in FP2. The ability to fine-tune the car and extract consistent performance over a race weekend, especially with an evolving track, will be crucial. His current form also adds an interesting dynamic to the internal team battle, as he pushes to establish himself alongside Russell.