Kimi Antonelli Details Singapore GP Start Struggles and Norris 'Mistake'

Kimi Antonelli secured a commendable points haul at the Singapore Grand Prix despite a challenging start, revealing that he was “penalised” by poor grip levels and made a “mistake” in trying to follow Lando Norris.

A pre-race rain shower at Marina Bay significantly reduced track grip, particularly impacting the left-hand side of the grid, where Antonelli started fourth. This led to a poor getaway, allowing Norris to immediately overtake him into Turn 1.

Why it matters:

• For a rookie driver like Antonelli, understanding and adapting to adverse race conditions, especially at a demanding circuit like Singapore, is crucial for long-term development.
• His ability to recover and employ a strategic long game despite initial setbacks highlights his race craft and potential under pressure.

The Details:

• Challenging Start Conditions: The left side of the grid, where Antonelli started P4, suffered from significantly worse grip due to the earlier rain shower, contributing to his poor launch.
• Turn 1 Misjudgment: Antonelli admitted his “mistake” was attempting to stick with Norris through the opening corners, which left him too far on the inside, allowing Charles Leclerc to sweep around him.
  • “My mistake in Turn 1 was trying to hold onto Norris, and then I found myself way too on the inside, and Leclerc got a much better run on the outside,” Antonelli told select media.
• Strategic Tire Management: After falling to sixth, Antonelli showcased strong race pace and employed a clever strategy against Leclerc.
  • He opted to protect his tires, playing the “long game” while Leclerc pushed hard to maintain position.
  • Antonelli believed this strategy would have paid off even without Leclerc’s late-race brake issues, especially as they approached backmarker traffic.
• Confidence in Recovery: Despite Leclerc’s brake problem ultimately handing him fifth, Antonelli expressed confidence in his ability to overtake.
  • “He [Leclerc] also with tyres, he started to struggle. He was really pushing… I was trying to play the long game, trying to save my tyres and really trying to find the right moment to attack,” he explained.

What's next:

Antonelli’s performance in Singapore, especially his strategic recovery, is a significant positive for the young Mercedes rookie. He aims to carry this strong race pace and strategic acumen into upcoming races, continuing to prove his capabilities in F1. This resilience will be key as he faces further challenges in his debut season.