Marko Criticizes Mercedes' Approach with Antonelli Amidst F1 Struggles
Why it matters: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has criticized Mercedes' handling of young driver Kimi Antonelli, contrasting it with Red Bull's strategy of nurturing talent through its junior team, Racing Bulls. Marko suggests Mercedes' approach has placed undue pressure on Antonelli.
The big picture: Antonelli, widely touted as a prodigious talent, has faced significant challenges in his debut F1 season. After a strong start scoring points in five of his first six weekends, he endured a series of retirements and displayed visible emotional struggles, notably after qualifying in Q1 at the Belgian Grand Prix. While he recently secured a top-10 finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, his confidence issues with the car remain a concern.
Marko's perspective: When asked by F1 Insider if Red Bull would have dropped Antonelli given his struggles, Marko highlighted the