Left-hand grid, low grip, and a costly first corner
Kimi Antonelli’s Singapore Grand Prix was defined by a tricky launch and a smart recovery. Starting fourth on the left-hand side of the grid — where grip was at a premium after a pre-race shower — the Mercedes rookie was immediately passed by Lando Norris into Turn 1. In trying to cling to the McLaren, Antonelli drifted too far to the inside, opening the door for Charles Leclerc to sweep around the outside.
“We were a bit penalised at the start, because the grip was a bit worse,” Antonelli said. “My mistake in Turn 1 was trying to hold onto Norris.”
Tyre management and timing the move
From there, Antonelli settled into a measured rhythm, saving tyres and biding his time behind Leclerc. As the Ferrari began to struggle — first with tyres, then with brakes — the Italian pounced to secure fifth at the flag. “I was trying to play the long game, trying to save my tyres and really trying to find the right moment to attack,” he explained. “When we were approaching the back markers, I felt that was the best moment.”
Leclerc’s late brake problem made the pass academic, but Antonelli was convinced he had the pace to make it happen regardless. The result adds another strong finish to his rookie résumé and boosts Mercedes’ fight for second in the constructors’ standings.
