Kimi Antonelli delivered exactly the response Mercedes wanted in Baku, converting fourth on the grid into a confident P4 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and earning fresh praise from team principal Toto Wolff. Two weeks after a difficult, penalised ninth place at Monza and open criticism from Wolff, the 19-year-old Italian ran with the lead group throughout and banked his best result since his Canada podium.
Race recap
Antonelli launched from P4 and settled into the front quintet that broke away in the early laps. After undercutting Liam Lawson, he used DRS to complete the move and then managed his pace to the flag, finishing just 2.561s behind Carlos Sainz. Team-mate George Russell climbed to second from fifth, underlining Mercedes’ competitive baseline around the Baku City Circuit.
Wolff’s verdict
Wolff, who had labelled Antonelli’s Monza weekend as "underwhelming", stressed the significance of the youngster’s consolidation drive on a street circuit that punishes hesitation.
"It was a really good rebound after Monza," Wolff said. "He had such a difficult spell with the European races, and coming here with a solid P4 and running at the front, in the front group, is something to continue to build on and consolidate, and then have more good weekends until the end of the year."
"He was not meeting his own expectations with what happened in Monza, where the driving just wasn't what he expected or wanted it to be," he added. "Maybe a bit was missing in ultimate performance that maybe made the difference between a podium or not, but it was such a good consolidation, and in my opinion, it was important to score that result."
What it means
Antonelli’s Baku showing resets the narrative after a tough run through Europe. The measured execution — undercut, clean overtake with DRS, error-free final stint — offers a platform to attack the final phase of the season with renewed confidence. With Russell on the podium and Antonelli shadowing the leaders to the finish, Mercedes leaves Azerbaijan with momentum and a clearer direction for the remaining rounds.
Key takeaways
- Best finish since his Canada podium: P4 in Baku
- Ran in the lead group and executed an undercut on Liam Lawson
- Finished 2.561s behind Carlos Sainz
- Positive response to Wolff’s recent criticism after Monza
