After a challenging European season, Antonelli demonstrated strong performances over the past weekends, something he partially attributes to a crucial meeting with Mercedes’ top brass following the Italian Grand Prix. Since then, the Italian has scored 56 points, including a podium finish at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Antonelli had a difficult part of the European Formula 1 season, with only three points and four retirements, two of which were due to issues with his Mercedes engine. However, since the championship left Europe, the Italian driver has been showing strong performances again. According to Antonelli, his recent turnaround was partly due to a board meeting with Mercedes’ top executives. “After Monza, we had a big meeting – quite a tough one – but it was a good one,” he said. “It really helped me to reset and refocus on the tasks and the important things. For me, it felt like a fresh start after a difficult period.”
The young driver looks back with satisfaction on his weekend in Brazil. “The aim was to have a good weekend overall: a strong Sprint Qualification, a good Sprint, and then a solid qualification and race. The main difference was that for the first time this season, I performed well throughout the entire weekend and therefore consistently competed at the front.” Antonelli admits that the insights from the meeting with Mercedes helped him to adjust. “After Monza, I realized I needed to change something. That’s why I refocused on the basics: driving well and bringing everything together properly. If I do that well, the result will come naturally.”
