Otmar Szafnauer explains what Andrea Kimi Antonelli can learn from Michael Schumacher. Michael Schumacher's example could help Andrea Kimi Antonelli fight for future F1 titles, says Szafnauer.

Former Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Andrea Kimi Antonelli still has an important area of improvement, suggesting the young Mercedes driver should learn from Michael Schumacher’s remarkable ability to bring a damaged Formula 1 car home to the finish.

Silverstone’s near heartbreak

Everything appeared to be falling into place for Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages of the British Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver looked set to continue his recovery drive, challenge Charles Leclerc and potentially take the race lead.

However, his comeback at Silverstone was abruptly halted by a sudden and unexplained technical issue on his Mercedes. Despite the problem, the 19-year-old from Bologna refused to return to the pits and retire the car.

Learning from Michael Schumacher

Even with steering problems and increasing difficulty keeping the car on the circuit, Antonelli managed to reach the chequered flag in 15th place. His final result was also affected by a time penalty after repeatedly exceeding track limits.

According to Otmar Szafnauer, Antonelli struggled to manage a damaged car to the finish in the way seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher so often mastered throughout his career. The former Alpine Team Principal believes that developing this skill could prove invaluable if the Italian wants to fight for future world titles.

“This could simply be part of learning the sport; it’s part of his development as a racing driver. It could very well be that,” Szafnauer said on the High Performance Racing podcast.

“I can tell you that Michael Schumacher was a genius at this, at bringing a damaged car to the finish without caring what condition it was in. I mean, there were races where he only had fifth gear left, and he still brought the car home. He was incredibly, incredibly good at it.

“Some drivers are naturally very good at this, while others, in my opinion, have to learn it. I’m not saying Kimi isn’t, but it could be something he still needs to develop in the future. And once you do, you’ll have another weapon in your arsenal that will help you win those world championships.”