F1 2025 | Mercedes simulator problem revealed behind Kimi Antonelli’s difficult debut. Mercedes has revealed a simulator issue that compromised Kimi Antonelli’s preparation.

Antonelli slowed down by Mercedes: the background that explains his dip in form

Kimi Antonelli’s debut season in Formula 1 with Mercedes has been anything but simple. The young Italian has faced pressure, mistakes, and technical setbacks that have marked some of his most challenging weekends so far. A recent revelation, however, has shed light on why the last few Grands Prix proved so complicated for him, and it places Mercedes itself in the spotlight.

A difficult start and growing criticism

After a tricky beginning to the European phase of the season, Antonelli became the subject of mounting criticism. Even Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not hold back, calling his performance at Monza “disappointing.” Yet, new details that have surfaced in recent weeks explain at least part of the difficulties Antonelli has encountered.

The simulator issue

The situation was revealed by Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, who explained that a simulator failure compromised Antonelli’s preparation ahead of the Grands Prix at Zandvoort and Monza. Shovlin stated: “With Zandvoort he did one simulator session, but we had problems that didn’t allow him to prepare in the usual way. We have to take part of the responsibility for not giving him the optimal conditions.”

Antonelli himself highlighted how crucial proper preparation was, especially when it came to Baku, where he finished fourth: “It was a difficult period, with criticism and complicated moments. But we brought home a good result and now the important thing is to build consistency.”

Wolff acknowledges Antonelli’s reaction

Toto Wolff, who had been openly critical after Monza, recognized the positive response shown by his rookie driver. “It was a really positive rebound. After difficult months, to come back to the front with a solid fourth place is an important signal. Now the goal is to consolidate and build more good weekends until the end of the year.”

Expectations for the future

Kimi Antonelli’s future in Formula 1 remains loaded with expectations. On one side, the mistakes made during his rookie year highlight the natural limits of a driver under pressure. On the other, the background involving the Mercedes simulator provides a broader context. The young Italian’s development depends not only on his ability to adapt but also on the team’s responsibility to provide him with the right tools to meet the challenges of modern F1.