Mercedes defends Antonelli and admits technical issues behind rookie struggles
Mercedes has broken its silence regarding the performance challenges faced by Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian driver in his debut Formula 1 season. Antonelli, who showed early promise with competitive results, experienced a difficult European debut, marked by several races without scoring points and a noticeable dip in confidence. The team has now stepped forward to clarify that the drop in performance is not solely the responsibility of the rookie.
Team admits technical factors affected results
Mercedes’ chief race engineer, Andrew Shovlin, openly stated that it is “wrong” to place the entire blame for Antonelli’s struggles on the driver himself. The most critical period coincided with the introduction of an update to the W16’s rear suspension, which was later withdrawn. This technical change negatively impacted both Antonelli and his teammate George Russell, highlighting that the issues were not limited to the rookie driver alone.
A technical setback reshapes the season
Kimi Antonelli’s negative streak—six European races without points, interrupted only by a tenth-place finish in Hungary—emerged immediately after the rollout of the controversial upgrade. Ironically, in the midst of this difficult phase, Antonelli had also achieved his first Formula 1 podium in Canada, a clear sign that his talent and potential remain intact.
Shovlin emphasized that the upgrade’s effects were felt more acutely by Antonelli, likely due to his relative inexperience and the need to adapt quickly to a complex and unstable technical package. Known for his candid approach with the media and his rigorous self-analysis, Antonelli continued to question his own performance, even while facing challenges that were largely the result of team-side decisions.
“It’s a team problem, not just his,” Shovlin reiterated, adding that Mercedes has already reversed the developments that contributed to the performance drop. Despite the psychological setback, the team remains confident in Antonelli’s talent and his room for growth.
Turning challenges into growth opportunities
The focus now is on helping Kimi Antonelli transform this challenging experience into a springboard for future success. Mercedes recognizes the importance of protecting its young driver, ensuring that the mistakes and technical missteps of others do not irreparably impact his first season in Formula 1. By providing support and stability, the team aims to unlock the full potential of one of its most promising talents in the paddock.
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