Mercedes Focuses on Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Adjustment Ahead of Monaco GP
Imola, Italy – Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to better manage rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s off-track pressures following a challenging weekend at Imola. The young Italian driver qualified a disappointing 13th and subsequently retired from the race due to a throttle issue.
In the lead-up to the race, Antonelli faced significant distractions from family and friends eager to support him in his home region. The 18-year-old admitted, “I didn’t manage the energy that well,” acknowledging that these external factors hindered his performance. This marks a repeat scenario for Antonelli, who also struggled during his debut at Monza last year.
Wolff, who attended his son’s graduation in the U.S. during the race weekend, expressed his concern for Antonelli’s well-being. “It was a perfect storm at Imola,” he remarked, noting the importance of managing expectations in such pressure-filled situations. “You need to protect yourself. Hide yourself in the engineering room… everything else comes second.”
Despite the setback at Imola, Antonelli’s season has been promising, with 48 points earned over the initial seven rounds and a record as the youngest polesitter in any format of F1 during the sprint race in Miami.
Looking ahead to the Monaco Grand Prix, Wolff emphasizes the necessity for Antonelli to gradually adapt to the demanding circuit. “Driving the car here fast needs experience,” he stated. After finishing 11th in first practice, Antonelli is expected to improve as he gains more familiarity with the track.
The Monaco Grand Prix presents a crucial opportunity for Antonelli to refine his skills and continue his development in the F1 landscape.
