Kimi Antonelli Explains Costly Mistakes at Singapore GP

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, despite securing his second consecutive top-five finish in Formula 1 at the Singapore Grand Prix, openly acknowledged making critical errors that hampered his potential for a podium finish. His self-critique points to an 'overdriven' qualifying lap and a misjudgment at the race start, which collectively prevented him from achieving a more favorable outcome at the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Why it matters:

• As a rookie in Formula 1, Antonelli's candid self-assessment highlights his rapid learning curve and commitment to improvement. His ability to identify and articulate his mistakes, even after a strong performance, is a positive sign for his development.
• Despite these errors, achieving a top-five finish in Singapore, a circuit notoriously difficult for newcomers, underscores his inherent talent and adaptability, suggesting he is quickly adapting to the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Details:

• Qualifying Performance: Antonelli was competitive from the outset, matching Mercedes teammate George Russell's pace closely in Q1 and Q2. However, he admitted to 'overdriving' in Q3, resulting in a fourth-place start, 0.379s off pole position, and a missed opportunity for a front-row start.
• Race Start Blunder: Starting from the 'dirty' side of the grid, Antonelli's primary error was attempting to hold onto Lando Norris into Turn 1, which forced him too far inside. This allowed Charles Leclerc to sweep around the outside and gain a crucial position, relegating Antonelli to spend a significant portion of the race behind the Ferrari.
• Strategic Overtake: Despite the early setback, Antonelli demonstrated strong race pace and strategic thinking. He patiently managed his tires, waiting for the opportune moment to attack Leclerc. His decisive move at Turn 16 on Lap 53, a 'huge braking event' praised by Toto Wolff, finally allowed him to pass the Ferrari.
  • Team Principal's Perspective: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Antonelli's self-critical nature, noting that Antonelli likely views the race as a lost front-row start rather than a P5 finish. Wolff specifically lauded the maneuver on Leclerc for its strength, even if it wasn't fully captured by race cameras.

The Big Picture:

• Antonelli's 22 points collected over the last two Grands Prix significantly exceed his total from the previous 10 rounds, indicating a recent surge in performance and a more consistent grasp of F1 racing.
• His performance in Singapore, while marred by acknowledged errors, continues to build his experience and confidence, crucial for a driver in his debut F1 season. The ability to perform well on a challenging street circuit, even with mistakes, speaks volumes about his potential.

What's next:

• Antonelli will aim to carry his strong race pace and lessons learned into upcoming races, focusing on refining his qualifying approach and race starts to capitalize on his raw speed.
• Continued performances like these, coupled with his capacity for self-improvement, will be key to solidifying his position within the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and building a strong foundation for his long-term F1 career.