01/08/2025 12:00
Kimi Antonelli has offered insight into the reasons behind his
torrid run of form at Mercedes of late. Antonelli has scored points
just once in the last seven races, with the bleak run broken up by
his maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix. Last time out in
Belgium, Antonelli qualified in 18th place - his lowest position of
the season and the second time he failed to exit the Q1 segment of
qualifying. Antonelli will switch to an older suspension
configuration this weekend at the Hungaroring in a search for pace,
having accepted his aggressive driving style hasn't suited the car
of late. "With my aggressive style, the way I was driving it, I was
making the car even more unpredictable," Antonelli told media
including RacingNews365 . "When I was really trying to push it, it
was hard to feel if it was going to stick or not. "When you're on
that fine line, it can really make the difference. If you have the
confidence and know it's going to stick, it can really make a
difference. "In my case, especially with the style I was driving
the car, I was making it more unpredictable. I was having no
confidence. "Every time I was trying to push more, the car was
struggling to take it or giving me signals that made me feel like
it was not going to stick." While team-mate George Russell has also
struggled for form, the Briton has brought home points for the
squad amid Antonelli's struggles. Antonelli highlighted Russell,
who has a different driving style, has been able to adapt to the
new suspension introduced at Imola. "George, on the other hand, has
been adapting better," Antonelli added. "He has a different driving
style, but he's been able to adapt a bit better. "That's what's
been hurting me in this European season. "So hopefully, by going
with the old suspension back, it will bring back a bit the feeling
I had prior to the start of the European season."
