Kimi Antonelli delivers honest verdict over F1 emotions: 'I was very frustrated'

Kimi Antonelli has detailed his desire to be open and honest about his struggles behind the wheel at Mercedes rather than keep his cards close to his chest. Having enjoyed a relatively competitive opening leg to his rookie F1 campaign, Antonelli's results took a downturn in the European races. Although he bagged his first podium in Canada, points have been a rare occurrence across the last eight rounds. At the Belgian Grand Prix, Antonelli was visibly emotional in the media pen after he was eliminated from the opening sprint qualifying segment. The Italian asserted he doesn't want to keep his emotions to himself, as it would likely result in even more anguish. "Sometimes the best way is to just let it all out, instead of keeping it for yourself," Antonelli told media including RacingNews365 "Because I think in some cases, it's just going to hurt even more." Antonelli has been defended by senior Mercedes staff as he continues to get up to speed in F1. While such a public display of emotions is a rare episode in F1, Antonelli admitted the open approach made him feel stronger with himself. "I was very frustrated with my performances because I feel like the potential is just so much higher than what I've been showing," he said. "Definitely I was really frustrated, it was a good moment to let it all out. It definitely made me feel much better afterwards."