Antonelli Says Mercedes Suspension Setback Cost Him Months of Rookie Development

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli believes a controversial mid-season suspension update cost him crucial development time, leading to a major confidence crisis during his debut Formula 1 campaign. While the team eventually reverted the changes, the Italian feels the setback stalled his progress for "two or three months" before he could recover his form and end the season on a high note.

Why it matters:

For a rookie driver, building confidence and momentum is paramount. This incident highlights how a well-intentioned technical update can have devastating consequences for a young driver's adaptation to F1, potentially altering the entire narrative of their debut season and impacting their long-term development within the team.

The details:

• Mercedes introduced a new rear suspension geometry at the Imola Grand Prix, inspired by class-leading McLaren, to address issues with low-speed performance and rear tire temperatures.
• The update backfired, introducing instability that Antonelli struggled to manage far more than his experienced teammate, George Russell.
• The Confidence Crash: Antonelli described the period as "very difficult," admitting he kept "losing confidence" and was "driving super tense," which halted any progress in adapting his driving style to the car's new characteristics.
• Engineering Perspective: Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin believes the ordeal ultimately made Antonelli a more "rounded" driver.
  • His biggest area of improvement was single-lap qualifying pace, as he learned to trust the tires and generate temperature more effectively.
  • Shovlin noted that Antonelli was strong on long runs from the start and has a valuable ability to provide clear car feedback.
  • The key lesson learned was managing his effort throughout a race weekend, specifically avoiding "overcooking it" in qualifying sessions.

Looking ahead:

Despite the difficult period, the ordeal appears to have forged a more resilient and complete driver. As he heads into his second season, Antonelli carries a valuable, if painful, lesson in adapting to technical challenges. With his confidence restored and a stronger understanding of Grand Prix weekends, the true extent of his talent may finally be unleashed in 2026.