F1 | Kimi Antonelli back on form: P2 in qualifying for Mercedes at Brazilian GP and ready to challenge for the win. Kimi Antonelli is back in top form at the Brazilian GP.

Kimi Antonelli confirmed his return to form in Brazil, securing second place in qualifying behind Lando Norris. After finishing second in the Sprint Race, the young Mercedes talent once again proved his speed by setting the second-fastest time in the “official” qualifying session. Following a period marked by technical challenges and insecurities, Antonelli now appears to be back to his best, capable of matching a teammate of George Russell’s caliber, who qualified only sixth. On Sunday, Kimi Antonelli will start behind an extraordinary Lando Norris, with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari also in close proximity, making weather conditions a key factor for the race.

Antonelli’s words after qualifying

Speaking to the media after qualifying, Kimi Antonelli highlighted the difficulties he faced due to tricky track conditions. “In the last corner before the uphill section, I shifted a little too early and locked the rear, then slightly the front. I lost a few hundredths, which would not have been enough for pole anyway. The first sector wasn’t perfect, and I also experienced a bit of understeer.”

He added: “The wind today was difficult to interpret. Its intensity wasn’t consistent, and at times I entered corners without knowing how the car would balance, which made this a very challenging session. Tomorrow it will be important to make as few mistakes as possible. Still, starting from P2 is an excellent result.”

The Italian then focused on the work done with the team in recent weeks. “Certainly, this is a good moment. I feel more confident in the car. I’m working closely with Bono to better adapt the car to my driving style. Overall, I think the team and I are doing a great job together.”

Looking ahead to the race, Kimi Antonelli said: “Now it’s all about tomorrow. The wind will change again and return to Friday’s conditions, which should be good, and then we’ll see what happens. The goal is to win, although we are aware that McLaren is very fast and it will be difficult in dirty air. We will still try to put pressure on them!”