Kimi Antonelli Details 'Big Mercedes Meeting' After European Struggles

Kimi Antonelli has revealed that a "big meeting" took place at Mercedes to help the rookie overcome his challenging European F1 campaign, where his "frustration" had reached a boiling point. This pivotal discussion led to a significant shift in his approach, helping him regain form in recent flyaway races.

Why it matters:

After a strong start to his Formula 1 career, Antonelli's struggles during the European leg of the season raised questions about his rapid promotion by Toto Wolff. Overcoming this dip is crucial for the 19-year-old's development and his long-term prospects within the Mercedes framework, especially as he is seen as a potential future star for the team.

The Details:

• European Struggles: Antonelli scored a mere three points across nine European rounds, a stark contrast to his performance elsewhere.
• Outlier Podium: His maiden podium came at the Canadian GP, sandwiched between the difficult Monaco and Spanish races, indicating the issues were localized to the European tracks.
• Frustration Builds: Antonelli admitted that the consistent lack of results caused his frustration to "boil over." He realized he was too focused on the final outcome rather than the fundamental process.
• Pivotal Meeting: After months of struggle, Antonelli and the Mercedes team held a "big meeting." They mutually agreed that a change in approach was necessary.
• Shift in Focus: Since that meeting, Antonelli has adopted a different mindset, prioritizing the "task" of driving well and executing the basics. He believes that if he performs these tasks effectively, the desired results will naturally follow.
• Return to Form: Since leaving Europe, Antonelli has rediscovered his strong performance, securing significant points finishes in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

What's next:

Antonelli's renewed focus and improved results in recent races suggest he is back on track. This mental recalibration, facilitated by the frank discussions with Mercedes, could be a turning point in his rookie season.

• His ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be key to solidifying his position and continuing his upward trajectory within the demanding world of Formula 1.
• Mercedes will be closely watching to ensure this new approach translates into consistent performance, validating their decision to promote him so quickly.