Mercedes technical director James Allison has lauded Kimi Antonelli for a composed, error-free Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend that delivered a milestone performance for the 19-year-old rookie. After a bruising European leg of the season that yielded just three points despite a standout podium in Canada, Antonelli answered doubts in Baku with fourth on the grid and fourth at the flag — equaling his joint-second best result of his maiden Formula 1 campaign.
A clean weekend in treacherous conditions
Qualifying at the Baku City Circuit proved volatile, with multiple incidents and red flags catching out established names. Antonelli, however, kept his head, navigating the session cleanly to bank a strong lap for P4. According to Allison, the Italian’s disciplined approach across practice and qualifying was decisive, with only a brief trip up an escape road and “not a scratch on his car” across the weekend.
“Kimi certainly played a champion part in making sure that he really didn’t put a foot wrong,” Allison reflected. “Into qualifying, which was pretty difficult, you saw how many red flags there were. Kimi came through that in good nick, did a good lap. He was within one gusty corner away from being P2 on the grid and had a good weekend as a consequence.”
Preparation makes the difference
Allison underlined the importance of maximising free practice to arrive in qualifying with a clear, consistent baseline. That measured build-up paid off for Antonelli, who kept himself in podium contention throughout the grand prix before ultimately sealing P4. While the youngster expressed some disappointment at narrowly missing the rostrum, the result serves as a significant confidence boost amid his first F1 season.
Why Baku matters for Antonelli’s rookie year
- Consistency under pressure: Zero major mistakes on a street circuit that routinely punishes lapses.
- Qualifying execution: A strong grid position set up his race — crucial for Baku’s strategic ebb and flow.
- Momentum builder: A measured, assured drive that rebuts suggestions he was promoted too soon.
What Allison and Mercedes will look to carry forward
The team’s collective focus on disciplined sessions and extracting a stable platform in practice appears to be a repeatable blueprint. With Antonelli demonstrating maturity well beyond his years, Mercedes will aim to convert such clean weekends into regular podium challenges as opportunities arise.
