Mercedes Explains Antonelli's Struggles, Boosts Prep Work

Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that Kimi Antonelli has struggled due to a "confusing" W16 suspension change and will receive increased support and preparation time to regain his early-season form. The team is confident in Antonelli's talent and is adjusting its approach to help him navigate the intense pressure of F1.

Why it matters:

Kimi Antonelli is one of F1's most anticipated rookies, with significant pressure to perform in a top-tier team like Mercedes. His current struggles, while understandable for a young driver in a complex car, highlight the immense challenges of stepping into Formula 1. How Mercedes manages his development will be crucial for his long-term success and for the team's future driver lineup.

The details:

• Suspension Change Impact: An earlier suspension modification on the W16, intended for specific circuits like Montreal, negatively impacted the car's driveability at tracks such as Austria and Silverstone.
  • Shovlin admitted this change made the car difficult to drive and was particularly "confusing for Kimi as a young driver."
  • The team has since reverted this change, expecting it to benefit both drivers.
• Qualifying Pressure: Shovlin noted that modern F1 qualifying sessions are "cruel and unforgiving," with immense pressure to perform.
• Practice Time Loss: Antonelli made several mistakes that resulted in lost free practice time, impacting his preparation and comfort with the car.
• Zandvoort Prep Issues: Prior to Zandvoort, a simulator session for Antonelli was compromised by technical issues, preventing him from adequate preparation. This was compounded by an FP1 mistake.
  • Mercedes takes partial responsibility for the disrupted preparation, acknowledging they "couldn't do the normal prep."
• Increased Preparation: To address these issues, Mercedes has significantly ramped up Antonelli's preparation work.
  • He recently completed an extensive simulator day, logging mileage equivalent to two or three race distances, specifically for the upcoming Baku Grand Prix.
  • The team is trying "different things in terms of getting ready for the race weekends" for the remaining races.

Between the lines:

Mercedes' candid admission about the W16's suspension problems and their impact on Antonelli underscores the nuanced challenges even top teams face in optimizing car performance. It also highlights the delicate balance between pushing development and ensuring driver comfort, especially for a rookie still adapting to the demands of F1. The team's increased investment in Antonelli's preparation signifies their unwavering belief in his potential, despite the recent setbacks.

What's next:

Mercedes will continue to support Antonelli, reviewing their preparation methods until they find the right formula for him to consistently perform. While the initial part of the season confirmed his talent for F1 and Mercedes' expectations, the team is committed to helping him regain the comfort and confidence he displayed earlier in the year as the season progresses.

Additional reporting by Ronald Vording.