Antonelli Cites Mercedes’ Caution After Belgian GP Struggles

Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes revealed that the team’s cautious tire strategy at the Belgian Grand Prix, influenced by a prior Silverstone mishap, cost him a chance to gain positions. Based on an in-depth analysis by SPORTRIK of official Formula 1 interviews, Antonelli’s comments highlight his struggles and learning curve. Consequently, this article examines his race performance, Mercedes’ strategy, and his reflections, with facts sourced from the official interview.

The Belgian Grand Prix started in wet conditions, with a red flag due to poor visibility during the formation lap, followed by an 80-minute delay and four safety car laps. All drivers began on intermediate tires, but the track dried rapidly, prompting switches to slicks. Lewis Hamilton gained positions by pitting for slicks on lap 11, but Mercedes delayed Antonelli’s switch, wary of repeating their Silverstone error where a wet-weather strategy led to Antonelli’s retirement after a collision with Isack Hadjar.

Antonelli, starting at the back due to a Q1 exit and power unit change, pushed for an earlier switch. “I tried to call quite early the switch,” he said in the official interview. However, he understood the team’s caution. “Because of Silverstone, we were a bit too cautious and wanted to wait,” he noted. As a result, the delayed switch cost him positions, leaving him in 16th place. For example, his car’s large rear wing, optimized for wet corners, hindered straight-line speed in the dry, limiting overtaking opportunities.

Antonelli acknowledged the car’s improved handling with the larger wing. “The car felt better with a bigger wing,” he stated. “I felt much better in places where I was struggling.” However, the drying track negated this advantage. “With the delayed start, it turned out to be a dry race quickly,” he explained. For instance, an attempt to pass Esteban Ocon failed when he hit a wet patch, losing grip and allowing Ocon to retake the position. Consequently, tire wear further hampered his progress.

Despite the result, Antonelli saw the race as a learning experience. “It’s learning, difficult conditions,” he said. Moreover, he noted improved driving compared to recent races, where he scored points only once in seven events. Thus, his focus remains on enhancing qualifying performance to avoid starting at the back.

Kimi Antonelli attributed his 16th-place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix to Mercedes’ cautious tire strategy, influenced by their Silverstone setback. For this reason, he aims to improve qualifying consistency to maximize race opportunities. Therefore, Antonelli and Mercedes will target a stronger performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. For in-depth analysis of Formula 1 dynamics, visit SPORTRIK.