Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed his hope to match the speed of his Mercedes teammate George Russell by the end of the current Formula 1 season. The Italian rookie has had a fluctuating debut year, with his last points finish — a third place in Canada — now two months ago.
According to Antonelli, the unpredictability of the Mercedes W16 plays a significant role in his performance. He earned the majority of his current 64 points in the first half of the season. “I’m still struggling to understand what the car can deliver in a qualifying round,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “You’re so close to the limit that it’s easy to cross it. I’m still trying to find that fine line.”
Antonelli emphasized that the conditions in qualifying differ from the race. “The grip is extremely high, you enter the corner much faster. Every round you think: ‘I can go through here even faster.’ I’m not yet at the point where I’m at the absolute limit in the first round.”
‘Better understanding of what the car forgives and doesn’t forgive’
He believes the structure of the qualifying offers little room to gradually build up: “Moreover, the limit constantly changes with the conditions. But I’m working on it.”
Despite his self-criticism about one-lap speed, Antonelli is more positive about his race skills, such as tire management. “That comes easier to me because you’re not driving at the absolute limit in the race. Then you also know better what the car forgives and doesn’t forgive.”
The Italian speaks highly of his teammate Russell. “My goal should be to drive the same times as him. I believe it’s possible. George is having a very strong season and shows that he is one of the best, especially when the car is working well. He is truly a challenging teammate. If I’m at his level by the end of the year, it would be an honor.”
